Anne Hathaway issued a public apology after a video of her directing photographers at the New York premiere of Verity
went viral across social media. The Oscar-winning actress admitted on television that the clip made her cringe, explaining that she was simply trying to restore order to a chaotic photo call.
Footage caught the actress taking charge of the press line. Standing between her co-stars at the event, Hathaway began pointing and giving clear instructions to the gathered snappers.
Anne Hathaway Directs Photographers at New York Premiere
The incident took place during the New York premiere of the psychological thriller Verity, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover. As photographers jostled for position around the cast, Hathaway stepped in to organize the shoot.
Dakota Johnson Reacts to the Red Carpet Direction
Dakota Johnson offered a dry, deadpan response to the impromptu directing as Hathaway kept the photo session moving.
Commenters on various platforms soon dubbed Hathaway a red carpet traffic cop
for her hands-on approach to managing the media pack.
Anne Hathaway Addresses Viral Clip on The Tonight Show
Appearing as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon the following evening on Wednesday, Hathaway confessed that she knew the host would bring up the footage. She covered her eyes in mock embarrassment as the clip played for the studio audience.
The actress admitted that the realization of how it looked hit her the moment she finished. Her immediate thought afterward was simply, Oh, no.
Projects Follow Busy Year for Hathaway
Verity is among her 2026 projects, which include roles in Mother Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, and The End of Oak Street.