Ukrainian model Sawa Pontyjska is planning to sue the Cannes Film Festival, alleging she was assaulted by a female security guard during the "Marcello Mio" premiere. The altercation, which was caught on camera, has since gone viral, drawing significant attention to the incident.
Pontyjska shared her side of the story with BBC News, explaining that she is ready to file a legal complaint against the festival organizers. She claims the female security guard assaulted her while she was at the top of the Palais des Festivals staircase. According to Pontyjska, the guard put her in a "bear hug" and brutally restrained her.
"I was trying to escape from this lock," Pontyjska recounted. "I went down, and I started to run away on the stairs because it was the way back [out]. She was trying to push me inside so nobody could see what she was doing with me. Then she kicked me out through the back door."
The incident was not the only one involving this particular security guard. Earlier that day, she had an argument with Kelly Rowland, which also garnered media attention. Additionally, the guard faced backlash online for similar incidents involving K-pop star Yoona and actress Massiel Taveras, where she appeared to rush them off the red carpet and occasionally became physical.
Footage from the red carpet shows the security guard attempting to drag Pontyjska inside the venue, with several other ushers intervening as the model struggled to break free. This clip quickly spread online, contributing to the virality of the story.
Pontyjska is seeking 100,000 euros in damages, claiming that the incident caused her both physical and psychological harm, as well as damage to her reputation. While the lawsuit itself has not been officially tracked down, Pontyjska reportedly posted photos of the legal documents on her social media account. However, these posts appear to have been removed.
In a call for support, Pontyjska asked her Instagram followers to help her find a "serious lawyer." Recent reports suggest that she may have found legal representation, as some outlets indicate that the lawsuit has been filed.
This developing story highlights ongoing concerns about security practices at high-profile events like the Cannes Film Festival and the impact such incidents can have on those involved.