An unnamed female security guard's conduct at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival has ignited controversy after several incidents involving high-profile celebrities, including Girls’ Generation member Yoona. The guard's actions, perceived by some as racially motivated, have led to widespread outrage and a lawsuit against the festival.
READ: K-Idol Yoona Allegedly Disrespected on Cannes Red Carpet by Security Guard, Sparks Outrage and Lawsuit
A viral video captured Yoona being blocked by the security guard while posing on the red carpet on May 19. Despite the interruption, Yoona maintained her composure, simply drawing a smile and waving goodbye to her fans gracefully before making her way into the event venue. Though netizens praised the K-pop star for her grace, the incident drew attention and criticism online.
The guard was involved in further altercations with Ukrainian model Sawa Pontyjska and singer Kelly Rowland two days later.
On May 30, Sawa revealed that she filed a lawsuit against the Cannes Film Festival, citing "physical assault and psychological damage," while Kelly alleged racial profiling in her encounter. “The woman knows what happened. I know what happened," Kelly told Associated Press (AP). "There were other women who attended that carpet, who did not quite look like me, and they didn’t get scolded or pushed off or told to get off," she added.
On May 22, the guard's actions also came under scrutiny during the red carpet appearance of Dominican actress Massiel Taveras. The actress attended the event wearing a Giannina Azar gown with a 15-foot train adorned with a portrait of Jesus Christ. As she attempted to lay out the train for a photo, the same female security guard stepped up behind her with her arm raised, seemingly trying to prevent Massiel from displaying the full extent of her train.
Netizens React to the Cannes Festival Security Guard’s Behavior
Naturally, the internet had a lot to say, with many users in X clamoring for the termination of the security guard. "Why hasn't the security guard at the Cannes Film Festival been fired yet? This is insane," one wrote.
While most viewed the guard’s actions as racially motivated, others defended her, saying that she was simply fulfilling her duties as a security guard and adhering to the event’s strict schedule.
"I don't think she was a victim," a netizen tweeted, pertaining to Yoona. "She had limited time in the red carpet; the lady was telling her to move on."
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