Things got a little heated at the Cannes Film Festival when Kelly Rowland, the iconic former member of Destiny’s Child, was seen having a tense moment with a member of the security staff. It happened during a glamorous evening on May 21, as Kelly walked the red carpet at the premiere of Marcello Mio. The singer, who is no stranger to the spotlight, was in full force, dazzling the crowd with her presence and style.
As Kelly, now 43, made her way up the iconic Cannes stairs, she was met with an unexpected gesture from a female security member. The security staff member extended her arm, seemingly attempting to guide Kelly up the steps. However, Kelly wasn’t having it. With a pointed finger and a serious expression, the singer made it clear that she wasn’t comfortable with the intrusion. It was a moment that caught everyone’s attention, especially after Kelly had been happily posing for photographers and waving to fans just moments before.
Kelly Rowland’s Stunning Arrival at Cannes
Kelly Rowland, known for her timeless elegance, stole the show with her red carpet appearance. She wore a breathtaking strapless draped red Anamika Khanna gown that complemented her radiant smile and confident demeanor. Kelly, who has always been a fan favorite, posed for countless photos, showing off her stunning outfit and engaging with the audience. She appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the moment, basking in the glow of the festival’s grandeur.
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However, as Kelly ascended the famous Cannes steps, the atmosphere shifted. After turning around several times to give photographers the perfect shot, she was met with an unexpected gesture from a female security member. The security staff extended her arm, possibly to guide Kelly, but the singer was having none of it. Pointing her left index finger and frowning, Kelly made her stance clear: she wasn’t comfortable with the unnecessary assistance.
Insider Insights: What Really Happened?
According to an insider speaking to DailyMail.com, the situation wasn’t as simple as it seemed. The security staff tasked with assisting stars on the red carpet were reportedly being overly aggressive, which frustrated Kelly. By the time she reached the last security member, her patience had worn thin. The insider revealed that the security member had scolded Kelly, telling her to move when she was trying to wave to fans and allow photographers to capture their shots. It was a moment that highlighted Kelly’s determination to advocate for herself and set boundaries.
“She doesn’t care if she comes across like a diva if she knows that she’s standing up for herself,” the insider added. “She isn’t fake, and she wanted to make sure that a clear boundary was set.” It’s clear that Kelly values her autonomy and isn’t afraid to express herself when necessary.

Past Tensions: Kelly’s Exit from the Today Show
This incident at Cannes isn’t the first time Kelly Rowland has found herself in a situation where she felt the need to advocate for herself. Just three months earlier, she made headlines when she unexpectedly backed out of cohosting the fourth hour of the Today show. Reports suggested that her decision was tied to dissatisfaction with her dressing room arrangements, which she reportedly found inadequate for her needs.
The tension leading up to this decision was evident during a February 15 interview with Savannah Guthrie. During the show’s 8 a.m. hour, Savannah repeatedly asked Kelly about her former bandmate, Beyoncé, and her new country album, Cowboy Carter. The line of questioning left Kelly visibly uncomfortable, adding to the mounting stress of the situation.
Today With Hoda & Jenna cohost Hoda Kotb addressed the issue on February 20, ensuring that there were no hard feelings. “I just want to say this, I have great love and admiration for Kelly Rowland,” Hoda, 59, said. “I adore her, and I want her to come back on our show and host again. She can share my dressing room — we’ll be in it together!” she joked, lightening the mood.
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Singer Rita Ora, who was performing on Today, stepped in as a replacement host, ensuring the show went on smoothly.
Kelly Rowland: A Kindness Behind the Scenes
Despite the drama, Kelly’s representative, Yvette Noel-Schure, spoke highly of her client. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, she praised Kelly’s character, saying, “After 28 years of knowing her, Kelly Rowland remains one of the kindest, most amiable humans I have ever met.” While the statement didn’t directly address the reasons behind Kelly’s decision to back out of the Today show, it reinforced her reputation as a warm and genuine person.
Savannah Guthrie also touched on the dressing room situation the following day. “We need a remodel. We need Extreme Makeover: Today Show Dressing Room Edition,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “We are in a historic studio, 1A. It’s the same studio that has been used for decades. It’s incredible and iconic, but it’s old. You get the good with the bad. If you want history, sometimes you’re gonna have a few little chips of paint coming off the wall.”
