Kristen kicks off her heels at Cannes to beat flats ban
KRISTEN STEWART protested the flat shoes ban at the Cannes Film Festival by kicking off her heels and going barefoot.
The American actress appeared to be rebelling against the strict dress code, which she has denounced in the past as sexist.
It is unlikely that festival organisers will take any action against Stewart – she is one of this year’s jury members for the Palme d’or.
Stewart, 28, was attending the premiere of Spike Lee’s new film, Blackkklansman, when she stopped in front of the assembled paparazzi and took off her Louboutin stilettos before ascending the steps to the Palais.
The “no flats” rule was first implemented in 2015, when a group of women were reportedly turned away from the red carpet because they were not wearing heels.
Stewart said at the time it was unacceptable that her male co-star would not be subject to such stringent rules.
“If we were walking the red carpet together and someone stopped me and said, ‘Excuse me, young lady, you’re not wearing heels, you cannot come in,’ then I’m going to say, ‘Neither is my friend. Does he have to wear heels?’
“You simply cannot ask me to do something that you are not asking him. I get the black-tie thing but you should be able to do either version – flats or heels.”
Others who have spoken out against the rule include Emily Blunt, the British actress, who said: “Everyone should wear flats, to be honest. We shouldn’t wear high heels.”
A year after it was imposed, Julia Roberts laughed off the ban and also went barefoot beneath her Armani gown.
Over the weekend, Stewart was one of 82 women who stood together on the red carpet in a silent protest at gender inequality in the film industry.
Others taking part included Cate Blanchett, the jury president, alongside Jane Fonda and Salma Hayek.