The Cannes Film Festival has repeatedly become a platform for protests, with notable instances like Kristen Stewart discarding her heels and Jennifer Lawrence opting for flip-flops.

This time, Ukrainian influencer Ilona Chernobay took a stand on the red carpet to protest against the ongoing situation in her country. Ilona appeared at the premiere of Just Philippot's film Acide, donning a gown in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and covering herself in fake blood.

A viral video captured the moment as she ascended the stairs in her blue and yellow ball gown, took out two capsules of fake blood from her dress, held them above her head, and burst them, all while maintaining a smile for the cameras. Security guards swiftly escorted her out of the event following her demonstration.

This protest was a response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's comparison of the violent destruction caused by Russian invaders in his country to the bombing in Hiroshima in World War 2.

A similar protest occurred during last year's festival when a Ukrainian woman used the red carpet to deliver a powerful message about the actions of Vladimir Putin's forces. Initially fully clothed, she removed her clothes to reveal body paint with the words 'Stop raping us,' adorned with a Ukrainian flag, and the word 'Scum' written across her back. This protest took place during the premiere of George Miller's Three Thousand Years Of Longing.

Before the festival began this year, Cannes director Thierry Frémaux expressed solidarity with Ukraine, wearing a Ukrainian flag pin on his lapel. Last year, President Zelensky inaugurated the festival through a live-streamed speech from Kyiv, urging the global film fraternity to take a stand against Russia's aggression in Ukraine, emphasizing that 'Cinema must not be silent.' The festival also implemented a ban on Russian delegations or film companies associated with the Putin government, which remains in effect this year.

The backdrop of this year's festival is marked by protests and unrest in France due to Emmanuel Macron's decision to increase the state retirement age. Although the festival has historically seen protests, authorities are determined to prevent any trouble before it arises, given the ongoing nationwide unrest over pension reforms.

In another unexpected move, the Alpes-Maritimes Prefecture, which governs the region, issued a ban on all demonstrations and gatherings on public roads throughout the festival’s duration. The ban, posted on the prefecture's website, aims to ensure public order during Cannes.

Ukrainian Influencer Ilona Chernobay Stages Protest At Cannes, Pours Fake Blood Over Self