Model Ilona Chernobai Ejected From Cannes Red Carpet For Covering Herself In Fake Blood Protesting Ukraine War

A Ukrainian model and influencer was escorted off of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival red carpet after pouring fake blood on herself ahead of the screening of Just Philippot’s Acid.

Fitness model Ilona Chernobai walked the red carpet of the prestigious film festival, wearing a blue and yellow dress that symbolized the Ukrainian flag. As she began making her way up the stairs, Chernobai pulled out bags of fake blood she had hidden underneath her dress and doused herself in it. The festival’s security team immediately dragged her off the red carpet and escorted her out of the premises.

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The city of Cannes has banned any act of protest along the Promenade de la Croisette and its surroundings while the film festival is ongoing. Taking to her Instagram, Chernobai explained that even though she is now “banned from the festival,” it was “worth it.”

“The action was in support of the occupied territories and our people who live there,” the model wrote, sharing a video of the incident with her one million followers. “On the red carpet of the 76th Cannes Film Festival, I went out in a dress in the colors of our flag and poured red paint on myself,” her caption’s translation reads. “I used my chance and with this act, I reminded what is happening in Ukraine!!!”

The influencer went on to say that while she is afraid of losing her account for sharing blood-filled images, “I am very glad that my act spread all over the world media! People should not forget about us!”

“I am with Ukraine in my heart,” she said. “I did what I had to do!”