A backstage video from the 98th Academy Awards showing Teyana Taylor in a heated exchange with a man has divided social media, after the singer and actress was filmed accusing him of physically pushing her during the ceremony.
In the footage, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, Taylor can be heard telling the individual: “You’re a man putting your hands on a female. You’re very rude.” When someone nearby asked what had occurred, she added: “Because he was putting his hands on a female, he literally shoved me.”
The clip prompted an immediate split in public reaction. A number of users questioned her account of events, with one writing that “nobody touched her” and suggesting she was “making a scene.” Others pushed back firmly, with one commenter arguing: “Nobody should get touched without consent, especially on a stage like that.”
The backstage moment was far from the only reason Taylor attracted attention on the night. The 35-year-old had arrived at the ceremony as a first-time Oscar nominee, recognised in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another. The award ultimately went to Amy Madigan for Weapons, though Taylor’s film claimed the evening’s top prize, winning Best Picture.
Her response to Madigan’s win itself became a talking point. Taylor leapt to her feet in enthusiastic applause for the veteran actress — a moment that drew both criticism from those who found it excessive and widespread praise from others who celebrated her sportsmanship.
Taylor had entered Oscar night as one of the awards season’s most prominent figures, having already claimed the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for the same role earlier in the year.
Her appearance on the red carpet also drew considerable attention. Taylor wore a custom Chanel gown featuring a sheer crystal-beaded bodice and a layered skirt of black and white feathers, accessorised with more than 60 carats of Tiffany & Co. diamonds, including a platinum necklace set with an 18-carat emerald-cut diamond pendant. Fashion commentators widely placed her among the best dressed of the evening.
The identity of the man shown in the backstage footage has not been confirmed, and no formal complaint or further statement has been reported at this stage.
