Unraveling the Cannes Film Festival Security Scandal: Inside the Celebrity Red Carpet Chaos

Breaking Down the Security Guard Incidents at 2024 Cannes Film Festival

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

One female security guard from the 2024 Cannes Film Festival is gaining attention for her interactions with celebrities on the red carpet. Some people believe that race may have influenced these interactions.

Kelly Rowland was at the Marcello Mio movie premiere on May 21. Videos on social media showed two security guards guiding her up the Palais des Festivals staircase. The female guard in question was one of the ushers with Rowland on the red carpet. She placed her hand behind the singer's back as they walked up the staircase. At the same time, she turned around and waved to fans.

Rowland was visibly frustrated as the second security member walked away. She turned around and said something to the female guard, who kept her arm up.

In an interview with the Associated Press days after the incident, Rowland expressed her frustration. She noted that other women at the event did not face the same treatment. Despite the guard's actions, Rowland stood her ground and refused to back down.

As Cannes went on, fans noticed the same security guard having interactions with other celebrities.

One user on X commented, "That security guard at Cannes is out of control. Even if the rules are to guide them inside and off the stairs, now the whole festival looks bad when guests are being wrestled and there are FOUR altercations. Just let them take their picture and then get them inside."

Keep scrolling for details about the Cannes security guard — and her various interactions:

Yoona

Kelly Rowland

K-pop fans online were quick to show their support for singer Yoona after she encountered the same Cannes security guard on May 19. The guard blocked Yoona's path with her arm as she was greeting fans. Yoona glanced at the guard's arm before proceeding up the stairs.

Rowland’s encounter with the security guard occurred on May 21 during the premiere of Marcello Mio.

"I remember the incident, the lady remembers it too," Rowland shared with AP Entertainment on May 23. "I have my limits and I stick to them, end of story."

Sawa Pontyjska

Sawa Pontyjska, the winner of Miss Europe 2023, posted a TikTok video on TK date showing her encounter with a security guard. During the premiere of Marcello Mio, Pontyjska was captured posing for photos at the staircase when the female security guard tried to pull her inside.

@pontyjska

Sava Pontyjska, Cannes Marcelo Mio premiere

Нафтаґаз – Monrote

Massiel Taveras

The former Miss Dominican Republic was seen at the premiere of Le Comte De Monte-Cristo on May 22. She was wearing a stunning Giannina Azar gown with a 15-foot train that had a portrait of Jesus Christ on it. As she made her way up the stairs, Taveras tried to show off the dress’ train for a photo.

While trying to pose for pictures, Taveras requested the ushers to step back. However, a female security guard stepped forward and placed her arm around the actress. Eventually, Taveras pushed the guard away, as captured in video footage of the incident.

Breaking Down the Security Guard Incidents at 2024 Cannes Film Festival

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Mike Marsland/WireImage

Taveras expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received, emphasizing the importance of unity, mutual support, self-care, setting boundaries, and standing up for one's rights. She shared these thoughts on her Instagram Stories on May 27, in response to the recent incident involving herself and another woman. She urged her followers to show love and respect towards Rowland, whom she described as a genuine, talented, classy, educated woman of color who represents everyone with dignity.

In addition, Taveras commended Rowland for how she handled the situation with the security guard.

I didn’t know that happened to you first. I was very impressed by how calm and gentle you were. In my case, I was tired of the abuse. "BLACK WOMAN MATTERS - we are not going to stay silent on situations like that. We need respect, it’s enough. I hug you queen #kellyrowland."

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