At the Los Angeles premiere of Leonardo DiCaprio’s forthcoming movie, One Battle After Another, Chase Infiniti, who is making her debut in the film, encountered a challenging moment during an interview. The recent event became tense when Infiniti was unexpectedly asked about calling DiCaprio “daddy,” an awkward question that left her visibly unsettled. This incident highlights the difficulties faced by emerging actors during high-profile media appearances.
Details of the Awkward Exchange During the Premiere
On September 8, during the star-studded launch of One Battle After Another, Infiniti engaged with various entertainment reporters, including Variety’s Senior Culture & Events Editor, Marc Malkin. During the conversation, Malkin posed the unusual question:
What’s it like calling Leonardo DiCaprio ‘daddy?’
Infiniti, caught off guard, responded hesitantly:
Well, umm, did not think that it would be something I would do,
according to BuzzFeed. The awkwardness of the moment was palpable and sparked considerable attention on social media.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Variety deleted the video clip of the interaction shortly after it circulated online. Despite this, social media users quickly amplified their dissatisfaction with Malkin’s question. One user on X condemned the reporter’s behavior:
Not Variety deleting the video of Mark Malkin acting a damn fool with Chase Infiniti on the ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER red carpet.
Another supporter of Infiniti praised her composure, stating,
All the love to Chase Infiniti, she navigated that red carpet moment with such poise, grace, and elegance. Variety should issue a public apology.
Many fans pointed out Infiniti’s discomfort, with one noting,
You can legit see how uncomfortable she is. You can see how fed up performers are getting with these inappropriate questions.
This user further criticized:
film journalists like this give profession a bad name.
Infiniti’s Pre-Interview Anxiety and Industry Pressures
It is important to note that this was not the first time Infiniti expressed unease about engaging with the press. In an August 14 interview with Vanity Fair, the 25-year-old actress acknowledged her anxiety about the promotional tour, admitting:
It’s very scary, because I’m a very anxious person. What if I say the wrong thing?
This context sheds light on the pressure young actors like Infiniti experience when facing invasive or unexpected questions from the media.
Significance of the Incident for Media and Emerging Talent
The interaction between Marc Malkin and Chase Infiniti underscores the delicate balance journalists must maintain while interviewing actors, particularly newcomers. The backlash against Malkin reveals growing public sensitivity toward inappropriate or disrespectful questions in press settings. As Leonardo DiCaprio prepares for the release of One Battle After Another, this episode may prompt media outlets to reconsider their approach when interviewing rising stars, ensuring they foster a respectful environment that supports rather than undermines talent.
