Kelly Rowland Incident With Security at Cannes
©️ Samir Duarte / X & kellyrowland / Instagram
Kelly Rowland, the celebrated singer and former member of Destiny’s Child, has spoken out regarding a highly publicized confrontation with a security guard at the Cannes Film Festival.
The incident, which occurred on the red carpet at the premiere of the French film “Marcello Mio,” has garnered significant media attention and sparked discussions on social media.
Kelly Rowland Cannes Film Festival Incident
The altercation took place on Tuesday evening when Rowland arrived at the Palais des Festivals. She was wearing a striking custom red Loewe gown. As she navigated the red carpet, an usher inadvertently stepped on her dress. It triggered a series of events that quickly escalated. Video footage shows an usher twice motioning for Rowland to move off the carpet and proceed up the stairs to the theater. Surrounded by more ushers, Rowland appeared to address one of them forcefully.
Rowland addressed the situation at the amfAR gala a few days later. She confirmed to the Associated Press that she was “told to get off” the carpet. “The woman knows what happened. I know what happened,” Rowland said. “I have a boundary and I stand by those boundaries, and that is it.”
Allegations of Unequal Treatment
Rowland suggested that her treatment differed from that of other women on the red carpet, implying a racial disparity. “There were other women that 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 remarked. “I stood my ground, and she felt like she had to stand hers. But I stood my ground.”
The Confrontation
Additional insights from lip-reading experts and witnesses reveal more about the tense exchange. After the usher stepped on her dress, Rowland initially responded calmly, saying, “Don’t worry”. However, the situation intensified as the usher continued to push her. Rowland was heard saying, “Don’t talk to me like that. Don’t talk to me like that. You’re not my mother,” according to lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman.
As Rowland reached the top of the stairs, she turned back and reiterated her stance: “You still don’t talk to me like that.”
Strict Festival Protocols
The Cannes Film Festival is known for its stringent red carpet-rules, which include bans on selfies and prolonged photo sessions. Ushers are tasked with keeping the arrivals moving smoothly into the theater.
The festival has previously faced criticism for its strict dress code. It once included a ban on women not wearing heels from walking the red carpet. This policy was relaxed after a significant public backlash in 2015.
Previous Controversies
Rowland is no stranger to standing her ground. In February, she made headlines for walking off the set of the “Today” show, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with her dressing room. While there were rumors about her being upset over Beyoncé-related questions, Rowland’s team denied these claims. They attributed her departure to the dressing room issues.
Kelly Rowland’s experience at Cannes underscores ongoing discussions about race, respect, and professionalism at high-profile events. Her assertive response to the security guard highlights the importance of setting personal boundaries. It advocates for oneself, even in glamorous and publicized settings. Rowland’s insistence on respectful treatment reaffirms her commitment to dignity and professionalism. It solidifies her reputation as a principled and strong figure in the entertainment industry.
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