Singer and actress Teyana Taylor has spoken out after a tense backstage moment at the Academy Awards turned into a viral incident.
The 35-year-old was seen in circulating videos confronting a security guard she accused of getting physical with her while navigating through a crowded area at the event.
Speaking to TMZ after the ceremony, Taylor downplayed the situation slightly but made it clear she would not tolerate disrespect.
“It’s all good… everybody’s having a good time, security was just doing a lot. There’s always that one,” she said.
“At the end of the day, I just don’t tolerate disrespect, especially when it’s unwarranted and it’s unprovoked.”
According to eyewitnesses cited by E!, the confrontation happened as Taylor attempted to access the stage at the Dolby Theatre alongside Warner Bros executive Pamela Abdy for a group photo.
Video from the aftermath showed Taylor visibly upset backstage, pointing and raising her voice at an individual off-camera.
“You’re a man putting his hands on a female… you’re very rude,” she said repeatedly.
She further alleged that the security personnel had shoved her, adding, “He literally shoved me… do not touch me, do not shove me, do not push me.”
In response, the security firm Security Industry Specialists acknowledged there was an interaction, describing it as “incidental contact” while trying to manage crowd movement.
“This is not the standard of professionalism we expect from our team, and we have addressed the matter internally,” the company said in a statement to Variety.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also issued an apology, stating that while the guard was part of an external team, guest experience remains their responsibility.
“We were extremely upset to learn about the experience endured by Teyana Taylor… we have made it clear this behavior is not acceptable,” the Academy said.
The incident capped off an already dramatic night for Taylor, who had earlier sparked debate online over her animated reaction after losing the Best Supporting Actress category.
Her celebratory response for the winner drew mixed reactions, with some critics calling it excessive, while others praised her sportsmanship.
Addressing the backlash, Taylor fired back on social media, defending her reaction and criticising those questioning her sincerity.
“The world holds so much misery that miserable hearts forget the face of happiness… when they see real sportsmanship, it unsettles them,” she wrote.
Despite the controversy, Taylor maintained her stance, emphasizing grace both in winning and losing.
