Several women were apparently turned away from a gala screening at Cannes for wearing “rhinestone flats” and not high heels.
The Cannes Film Festival is coming under fire this week after reports that several women in their fifties were turned away from the red carpet because their heels weren’t high enough.
According to Screen Daily, the women (a number of whom reportedly have medical conditions) were turned away from a screening of Cate Blanchett’s Carol for failing to abide by the strict dress code.
The publication stated that “the festival declined to comment on the matter, but did confirm it is obligatory for all women to wear high heels on the red carpet.”
Wow. Story in Screen says women were turned back from red carpet screening #Cannes2015 for NOT wearing high heels. pic.twitter.com/Yf2O3CyEW5
— Kate Muir (@muirkate) May 19, 2015
While the dress code on the Cannes Film Festival website states that “black tie/evening dress is required for gala screenings,” it does not specify that high heels are necessary.
The incident has sparked an outcry online, with many noting the irony in the fact that this year’s festival made a specific effort to celebrate women working in film.
One person who voiced her opinion on twitter was Irish broadcaster Caitlin Moran. Here’s what she had to say:
Utterly extraordinary it’s reported that women – including those with disabilities – are being TURNED AWAY at Cannes for not wearing heels.
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) May 19, 2015
Fuck me, if I were Charlize Theron, or any A-list actress, I’d walk out of the entire event right now – IN SOME COMFY FLATS.
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) May 19, 2015
OR all the men should INSIST that THEY wear heels, in solidarity. Man, I would like to see that red carpet #cannesheels
— Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) May 19, 2015
