Aggressive Cannes Film Festival Security Guard Caught Getting Grabby Again

The unnamed staffer has gone viral on social media after run-ins with Kelly Rowland, Korean pop star Yoona and Dominican actor Massiel Taveras.

An unidentified staffer may have become the unlikely star of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival — but not for a good reason.

Earlier this month, celebrities from all around the globe attended the prestigious event, and a few — mostly non-white women — had visibly uncomfortable interactions with what appears to be same female security guard.

Footage on social media has shown Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland, South Korean pop star Yoona and Dominican actor Massiel Taveras having heated altercations with the staffer, who has appeared to invade their personal space or put her hands on them.

The latest clip making the rounds on social media was shared by Sawa Pontyjska, a Ukrainian model and Miss Europe 2023. In the footage from May 21, the same security person can be seen wrapping her arms around Pontyjska at the top of the red carpet’s stairs and appearing to pull her inside the venue. In the clip, Pontyjska attempts to retreat back down the steps but is blocked by other festival staff members.

Although colleagues of the guard reportedly told the Daily Mail that she was “just doing her job,” the staffer has drawn backlash online. Many social media users have called for her to be fired, with several arguing that she seemed to be targeting women of color.