According to Korean media reports, a Ukrainian model filed a legal lawsuit against the organizers of the 77th Cannes International Film Festival after being obstructed by a security guard on the red carpet. The Ukrainian model, Sawa Pontyiska, who attended the Cannes Film Festival, filed a lawsuit demanding 100,000 euros (approximately 150 million won) in damages from the festival's organizing committee.
Pontyiska, who is also a fashion TV host, claimed to BBC News that she was "cruelly obstructed" when she tried to enter the theater to watch the premiere of "Marcelo Mio" at the Cannes Film Festival. She demanded compensation for physical assault and mental damage from the festival, stating that her reputation was also damaged by the incident. Video footage circulating online shows the security guard's excessive obstruction causing Pontyiska to almost fall to the ground.
Pontyiska claimed that she contacted the organizers for an apology but did not receive a response. Despite requesting an explanation from the organizers, BBC reported that they did not respond.
The issue is that the security guard who expressed dissatisfaction did not behave rudely only towards her. The guard had previously faced allegations of racial discrimination while protecting African-American singer and actress Kelly Rowland, Dominican actress Masiel Taveras, and Girls' Generation member and actress YoonA during the festival.
The security guard reportedly only restricted communication with colored stars, urging them to enter quickly and preventing interactions with reporters or fans. Video footage of an altercation between Rowland and the guard circulated on social media. Rowland stated in an interview with AP that "the guard knew what was happening. Other women attending the red carpet, who looked nothing like me, did not face any restrictions."
Another video circulating online showed YoonA, who did not outwardly display anger but appeared visibly uncomfortable. Footage of YoonA being blocked by the guard's arm also circulated on social media.
