Kelly Rowland says she was treated differently to other women on the Cannes red carpet, and an apparent dispute with a female security guard came about after she “stood her ground”.
A viral video shows the former Destiny’s Child star entering into what looked like a heated debate with a member of security staff while walking up the stairs to the theatre at the premiere of the film Marcello Mio.
Rowland on the red carpet ahead of the altercation. Pic: Reuters
Rowland went on to speak about the incident at the amfAR gala in Cannes, which saw Hollywood A-listers Demi Moore and Cher among the stars supporting fundraising for AIDS research.
The 43-year-old singer said other women attended the event “who did not quite look like me and they didn’t get scolded or pushed off or told to get off”.
The apparent altercation happened while posing for pictures in a strapless red gown at the premiere on Tuesday evening.
The video shows the security guard holding up her arms to guide 43-year-old Rowland up the steps as she is waving and having her picture taken, at which point Rowland points her finger at the staff member and appears upset.
The dispute carries on up the stairs, with Rowland turning around to direct a comment to the guard before entering the building.
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It all took place in front of a crowd of fans who watched the incident unfold.
Speaking at the amfAR gala on Thursday, Rowland said: “The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. And, I have a boundary. And I stand by those boundaries and that is it.
“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.
“I stood my ground. And she felt she had to stand hers, but I stood my ground and that was it.”
Sky News has approached Rowland and the Cannes Film Festival for comment.
Rowland hit the headlines earlier this year after she reportedly walked off the Today show in the US.
Speculation over her exit has never been confirmed.