American singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor
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A glamorous evening at the Academy Awards took an unexpected turn when a video of Teyana Taylor appearing to have a tense exchange with a security guard began circulating widely online.
In the clip, Taylor is seen confronting a man, accusing him of getting physical with her as she attempted to move through the crowd. She claims he shoved her during the interaction.
Speaking to TMZ, the 35-year-old addressed the situation, suggesting the guard’s actions were unnecessary.
“Security was just doing a lot ... There's always that one, but I’m perfectly fine. I’m happy.
“I just don't tolerate disrespect - especially when it's unwarranted, and it's unprovoked,” she told the publication.
The footage captures Taylor visibly upset, pointing off-camera and raising her voice as she says: “You're a man putting his hands on a female. What are you doing?”
She goes on to reiterate that the guard pushed her.
“He literally shoved me. He was damn near shoving her,” she adds, referring to another woman nearby.
“Everybody’s having a good time. But when you shove me, it’s a different story,” Taylor said. “Do not touch me, do not shove me.”
According to Variety, the Academy Awards later issued an apology to Taylor, stating they would take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“We were extremely upset to learn about the experience endured by Teyana Taylor at the end of the Oscars ceremony last night,” the statement read.
“We have worked with Teyana over the last several months during awards season, and she has been nothing short of remarkable, supportive, kind, and all about community.
“Though the incident was with our outside security firm SIS, the experience of every single guest is our responsibility.
“We have made it clear to them that this behaviour is not acceptable. We want to thank Teyana for showing remarkable grace, and we are taking the appropriate measures to ensure this does not happen again."