Jacob Elordi sparked a tense confrontation with an official during the 2025 Venice Film Festival while attending the world premiere of his film Frankenstein. The incident occurred on August 31, 2025, as the actor greeted fans, displaying a rare moment of friction amid otherwise warm interactions. This episode has brought renewed attention to Elordi’s conduct at public events.
Details of the Exchange Caught on Camera
A fan-recorded video, shared on TikTok the same day, shows Elordi, 28, initially engaged in close conversation with a man described by the uploader as a “bodyguard” before moving closer to wait for photographs with fans. The clip captures Elordi telling a festival staff member,
“I’m going to take a picture right here,”
before posing for photos. Shortly after, his tone shifts when he firmly states,
“Don’t ever tell me what to do”
to the official, underlining the apparent tension in their brief interaction.
Despite the brief conflict, the social media user who shared the video highlighted Elordi’s generosity towards fans, commenting,
“And he was so nice, took photo[s] with everyone he can, he is so sexy and nice.”
Us Weekly reached out to Elordi’s representatives for comment on the exchange, though no official response was provided at the time of reporting.
Emotional Moments at the Screening of Frankenstein
Earlier during the festival, Elordi was visibly moved during the screening of Frankenstein, an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic 1818 novel. According to a report from People shared on August 31, the film’s debut was followed by a standing ovation lasting 13 minutes, noted by Variety as the longest applause of the festival to date. In the film, Elordi plays the creature created by Oscar Isaac’s Dr. Victor Frankenstein, marking a significant role in the highly anticipated project.
Previous Public Disputes Highlight Context of the Incident
This is not the first time Elordi has been involved in public disputes during promotional events. In February 2024, New South Wales police investigated an incident involving the actor and a radio producer in Sydney. The altercation reportedly started when the producer approached Elordi at his hotel with a camera, requesting a humorous memento related to Elordi’s controversial bathtub scene from Saltburn. The actor asked the producer to stop filming, after which tensions escalated.
On the Kyle & Jackie O radio program, the producer said,
“I refused to [fully delete the footage immediately] because I feel uncomfortable right now and this is the only evidence [of the encounter] and then Jacob kind of just flips his hands and pushes me against the wall and his hands are on my throat.”
Police statements confirmed the investigation but noted no injuries were reported, describing the incident as occurring around 3:30 p.m. on February 3, 2024.
New South Wales police stated,
“Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command are investigating after a man was allegedly assaulted outside a hotel in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Police were told about 3.30pm on Saturday 3 February 2024, a 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a 26-year-old man. The man did not sustain any injuries.”
Elordi chose not to publicly address the situation following the investigation.
Significance of the Incident for Elordi’s Public Image
The recent confrontation at the Venice Film Festival adds to growing concerns about Jacob Elordi’s handling of press and fan interactions, especially during major promotions. While his talent and on-screen performances continue to receive praise, these incidents underscore the challenges he faces in managing public scrutiny. The actor’s emotional response to the Frankenstein screening contrasts sharply with these moments of conflict, highlighting the complex nature of his public appearances.
As Elordi’s career advances with prominent projects, including his role alongside Oscar Isaac, how he navigates media attention and fan engagement will likely impact his professional reputation and opportunities. Observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see if future events generate similar controversies or if Elordi opts for a more measured approach moving forward.
