Entertainment

Why ‘diva’ Kelly Rowland allegedly scolded Cannes security guard — and what she said: report

Don’t mess with Kelly Rowland.

The actress and singer, 43, made headlines Tuesday when she appeared to scold security at the red-carpet premiere of the French-Italian film “Marcello Mio” during the Cannes Film Festival.

Photos from the event showed Rowland pointing her finger towards a female security guard during their heated exchange.

Kelly Rowland (right) arguing with security at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2024. David Fisher/Shutterstock
Kelly Rowland fought with security at the “Marcello Mio” red-carpet premiere. AFP via Getty Images

But according to insiders, Rowland was not the instigator of the incident.

“The people who are assigned to helping stars walk the red carpet were being aggressive, and Kelly was trying to ignore it,” a source claimed to the Daily Mail Wednesday.

They continued: “By the time she got to the last woman she had had it, because she scolded Kelly and told her to move when she was trying to wave to fans and help the paparazzi get their shot.”

Per the Daily Mail, a lip reader claims that the security guard initially apologized for stepping on Rowland’s dress, to which the singer replied, “It’s OK.”

However, after the guard said something else, Rowland allegedly said: “Don’t talk to me like that” repeatedly as they made their way up the stairs.

Kelly Rowland in a dispute at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Pool Photo Events 03/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock
Kelly Rowland was involved in drama at the “Marcello Mio” premiere. Pool Photo Events 03/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

Rowland appeared to be enjoying herself at the glitzy premiere before the incident.

As the source noted, she was initially smiling and waving to fans in her Anamika Khanna-designed crimson gown with its small train as she made her way up the red-carpet steps.

Kelly Rowland rocked a red gown designed by Anamika Khanna for the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Steve Wood/Shutterstock
Kelly Rowland walking up the steps at the “Marcello Mio” premiere. Pool Photo Events 03/ipa-agency.net/Shutterstock

But according to the insider, the former Destiny’s Child member isn’t bothered about being the center of drama.

“She doesn’t care if she comes across like a diva if she knows that she is advocating for herself,” said the source. “She isn’t fake and wanted to set a clear boundary.”

The Post has reached out to Rowland’s rep for comment.

Kelly Rowland poses at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Kelly Rowland / Instagram

Earlier this year, Rowland was involved in another melodramatic situation when she allegedly walked off the “Today” show because her dressing rooms reportedly “weren’t up to par.” 

Rowland and her team reportedly played “musical dressing rooms” before inquiring about a dressing room on a different floor. However, it was already occupied by Jennifer Lopez, so Rowland left the studio and Rita Ora had to step in as her last-minute replacement as guest co-host on “Today With Hoda & Jenna.”

Kelly Rowland had a memorable appearance at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. FilmMagic

Hoda Kotb later addressed the controversy on her show and said she has “great love and admiration” for Rowland.

“I adore her,” the journalist added, “and I want her to come back on our show, and I want her to host again.”

Rowland’s rep released a statement about the incident at the time.

“After 28 years of knowing her, Kelly Rowland remains one of the kindest, most amiable humans I have ever met and have had the blessing to represent,” the rep told “Entertainment Tonight.”