Celebrity Drama Unfolds at 2026 Fashion Weeks
From seating snubs to paparazzi clashes, notable moments of diva behavior emerged during recent fashion events.
Fashion weeks in New York City, Paris, and London have once again provided a stage for both high fashion and celebrity drama. In 2026, several incidents marked by diva behavior, public disagreements, and tense encounters have captured attention.
Zendaya and Brigitte Macron
During Paris Fashion Week, actress Zendaya faced criticism for remaining seated when Brigitte Macron, the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron, approached her at the Louis Vuitton show. Video footage showed Zendaya interacting with another guest before greeting Macron with a smile, while still seated. The interaction prompted an online debate about etiquette, with some arguing for basic manners and others defending the actress. It was also noted that Zendaya did not stand when Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, greeted her moments earlier.
Jennifer Lopez and the Weather
Jennifer Lopez experienced frustration at the Stella McCartney show in Paris when she was asked to take down her umbrella during an outdoor event. As rain fell, staff requested guests lower their umbrellas. Lopez initially kept hers up, with her bodyguard holding it for her, before eventually handing it back to staff. Earlier, she had expressed dismay upon finding her seat wet and waited as her bodyguard dried it.
Jacob Elordi's Paparazzi Confrontation
Actor Jacob Elordi had a heated exchange with paparazzi during a walk with girlfriend Kendall Jenner in Paris. After Jenner walked at the L'Oréal show, the couple was approached by photographers. Elordi, visibly annoyed, asked them to stop and allow them to walk home. Despite his pleas, the photographers continued, leading Elordi to express his exasperation further, shaking his fist and imploring them for privacy.
Rihanna and EJ Johnson Exchange
Rihanna's punctuality at the Dior runway show in Paris led to a public spat with EJ Johnson. Johnson, son of NBA icon Magic Johnson, commented in an Instagram clip that the show started an hour late because Rihanna was late and that attendees "didn't care to wait for her." Rihanna later responded to a video of Johnson struggling to enter his hotel by commenting, "damn."
Steven Kolb Restrains Protesters
At New York Fashion Week in September, fashion executive Steven Kolb intervened physically during a protest at the COS fall-winter 2026 collection show. Activists from PETA disrupted the runway, holding placards and chanting. Kolb, CEO and president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), restrained two protesters, covering one's mouth and pushing him, and tackling and restraining the other. Kolb later apologized, admitting he "reacted inappropriately" and should have let security handle the situation. He subsequently resigned from the CFDA after two decades.
