Cannes Calamity: Kelly Rowland Disrespected by Overzealous Usher
The iconic steps of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes have born witness to countless glamorous arrivals, but this year’s film festival hosted an appalling scene that has sparked outrage. As Kelly Rowland ascended the legendary red-carpeted stairs at the Cannes premiere of “Marcello Mio,” the Destiny’s Child superstar was subjected to unwarranted manhandling by an overzealous festival usher.
In a series of videos circulating social media, the 42-year-old singer can be seen graciously waving to fans and photographers as she makes her way up the stairs in a showstopping silver fringe gown by Yves Saint Laurent. But the joyous moment is quickly marred by the intrusive actions of a dark-suited female usher.
With her arm repeatedly thrust towards Rowland’s back, the usher appeared desperate to hurry the Grammy winner’s ascent. At one point, she stepped on the train of Rowland’s couture creation before the singer turned with a polite smile as if to say “no need for that.” Undeterred, the usher continued to hover mere inches behind, her palm outstretched in an unmistakable gesture to rush Rowland along.
When the “Motivation” hitmaker understandably protested the usher’s brusque treatment, the woman remained obstructive, ignoring Rowland’s objections. It took the intervention of another staff member to allow the unsettled singer to finally enter the Palais. Even more shockingly, as Rowland’s companion – seemingly her stylist – followed behind, the damager usher manhandled her as well in full view of the cameras.
The disrespect did not go unnoticed, with viewers taking to social media in droves to decry the usher’s lack of decorum towards an esteemed, invitation-only guest. “The way they treated Kelly Rowland was abysmal,” one critic tweeted, while others condemned the usher’s “disgusting,” “vile,” “rude” behavior that marred what should have been a celebratory night.
Of course, this is far from the first time Black entertainers have faced degrading treatment at elite events. Rowland’s own bandmate Beyonce famously felt “disrespected” by an ableist comment at the 2023 Grammys. Prima donna behavior be damned – icons of Rowland and Beyonce’s caliber deserve to be celebrated, not debased.
As the festival circuits continue, one can only hope organizers take steps to prevent a recurrence of such graceless conduct towards honorees. An ecstatic Kelly Rowland radiated poise and professionalism on the Cannes red carpet; it’s a pity the same couldn’t be said for staff on that shameful evening.
