A Ukrainian model reportedly filed a lawsuit against the Cannes Film Festival over alleged mistreatment on the red carpet by a security guard — who is facing similar criticism over other tense interactions with women attendees. The model, Sawa Pontyjska, said in her lawsuit that she was aggressively restrained by the security guard as she attempted to enter the May 21 premiere of “Marcello Mio.” In a viral clip that has been viewed almost 17 million times, the guard is seen wrapping her arms around Pontyjska and manhandling her away from the carpet.
Pontyjska, who is also a presenter for FashionTV, almost falls before getting up and turning away from the security guard. Pontyjska posted on her Instagram story what appeared to be a letter to a French judge, in which she told her version of events. “I tried to get onto the red carpet with my legitimate ticket,” she wrote in French.
“However, in trying to walk on the red carpet, at the top of the stairs, I was violently stopped by a group of security agents. This violent response, which happened in front of the thousands of people’s eyes, is documented be the attached video.” The “physical force,” Pontyjska wrote, caused her to have “considerable injuries” and “severe psychological trauma.
” “This event has prevented me from sleeping three straight nights and I’ve received innumerable messages of support from my fans who have tried to soothe me,” she added, “I ask that you also note that after .
