While preparing to hit the 2025 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards red carpet, a seemingly irksome fan tried to get Taraji P. Henson’s and Vivica A. Fox’s attention causing irritation from online viewers.
Both actresses can be seen in social videos leaving a hotel for the annual gala that took place on Feb. 27. In one video, Fox can be seen warning the fan, “Don’t get loud with me like that.”
Undeterred by the scolding, he then boldly told Fox, “Sis, you looking utterly beautiful” before he asked, “Can I get a little picture?”
The person capturing the exchange, ShotbyJosh, recorded Fox as she continued to glare at the overly enthusiastic gentleman, who later identified himself as Israel.
She sternly responds with a finger pointed towards him. “Hey! Do me a favor. I told you don’t do that” and “No, you cannot,” she said after the man insisted, “I can’t get no picture?”
Based on the videos floating around the net, Israel was seemingly waiting around the hotel the gala attendees stayed in, anticipating a celebrity encounter. Henson was unable to avoid the encounter despite her brisk walk. She encountered the bystander promoting his book about a Black superhero.
Social Media Reacts
“Who is this man, he gotta be stopped!”, an X user wrote.
One user empathized with the situation writing, “I hate how it feels watching this. Felt bad watching her. I see why celebs be in their own world sometimes. Kinda have to be.”
“Nah, this is scary and very invasive. That man disrespected her.” wrote another X user.
Neither Fox nor Henson have remarked further on the incident.