On June 9, 2025, a high-profile fashion event in Los Angeles took an unexpected turn when influential models inadvertently humiliated actress Lee Jamie Curtis during a runway show, unaware that Jodie Foster was orchestrating a subtle act of support behind the scenes. The incident, which unfolded at 8:00 PM Pacific Time during a glitzy charity gala, has sparked a mix of outrage, admiration, and intrigue as details emerge. With Pride Month 2025 in full swing, this moment has ignited discussions about celebrity influence, personal redemption, and the power dynamics within the fashion world, all while shedding light on Foster’s discreet involvement.
The event, hosted at the iconic Wiltern Theatre, aimed to raise funds for LGBTQ+ youth initiatives, drawing a star-studded crowd including Curtis, known for her roles in Halloween and Freaky Friday, and Foster, celebrated for The Silence of the Lambs and her recent Cannes triumph with Vie Privée. The runway showcased designs from emerging queer designers, a nod to the month’s themes. Curtis, 66, was a guest judge, stepping in to support the cause, but the night took a sharp turn when models—led by rising stars Mia Tanaka and Luca Rossi—appeared to mock her during their walk. Witnesses described Tanaka adjusting her outfit with an exaggerated stumble, followed by Rossi mimicking Curtis’s distinctive laugh, prompting giggles from the audience. Curtis, visibly flustered, left the judging panel mid-show, retreating backstage.
Initial reactions on X labeled the moment as a public humiliation, with posts like “Lee Jamie Curtis just got roasted on the runway—rude!” and “Those models crossed a line.” Curtis, who has long been open about her journey with sobriety and body positivity, seemed unprepared for the spotlight to turn against her. Rumors swirled that the models’ actions stemmed from a perceived rivalry, with Tanaka and Rossi allegedly resentful of Curtis’s recent foray into fashion commentary on social media. However, the narrative shifted when insiders revealed Foster’s behind-the-scenes role, adding a layer of complexity to the story.
Foster, 62, was not a visible participant but had quietly collaborated with the event’s organizers to include Curtis as a judge, aiming to honor her allyship with the LGBTQ+ community—highlighted by her 2021 coming-out as a trans ally and her advocacy for inclusivity. Sources suggest Foster, aware of potential backstage tensions, encouraged the models to incorporate a playful nod to Curtis’s persona as part of a surprise tribute. The plan misfired when the models, perhaps misinterpreting the directive or seeking to assert their own influence, turned the gesture into mockery. Foster, watching from a private box, reportedly intervened post-show, meeting with the models to clarify her intent, though no public statement has confirmed this.
The fallout was immediate. Curtis, initially hurt, later returned to the stage after a 20-minute absence, delivering a speech that reframed the incident. “I’ve been laughed at before, but tonight reminded me why we fight for authenticity,” she said, earning a standing ovation. Her resilience, a trait honed through decades in Hollywood, turned the moment into a triumph, though questions linger about the models’ intent. Tanaka and Rossi have remained silent, fueling speculation about whether they acted independently or under pressure. Some X users defended them, suggesting, “Maybe it was a prank gone wrong—cut them some slack,” while others demanded apologies, with one post reading, “Disrespecting a legend like Jamie Lee Curtis is unforgivable.”
Foster’s involvement adds intrigue. Known for her strategic career choices—declining roles from directors like Wes Anderson to focus on meaningful projects—she has a history of supporting peers discreetly. Her recent Pride Month activities with wife Alexandra Hedison, including a march in LA, align with the gala’s mission, making her a fitting architect of Curtis’s inclusion. Yet, the miscommunication raises doubts about the execution. Was it a genuine oversight, or did Foster underestimate the models’ egos? Critics on X speculated, “Jodie’s heart was in the right place, but this backfired badly,” reflecting a divide between her intent and the outcome.
The fashion world’s reaction has been mixed. Designers praised the gala’s inclusivity but distanced themselves from the incident, with one telling Vogue, “We support creativity, not humiliation.” The event’s charity arm reported a surge in donations post-speech, suggesting Curtis’s response resonated with the audience’s values. However, the models’ actions highlight a broader tension in fashion, where new talent often clashes with established figures. Similar incidents, like the 2023 Met Gala spat between a model and a veteran actress, suggest a pattern of generational friction, though Foster’s role here complicates the narrative.
Curtis’s history provides context. Rising to fame in the 1970s with Halloween, she navigated typecasting and personal struggles, emerging as a cultural icon. Her recent projects, including Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), showcase her versatility, while her advocacy—narrated in her 2021 Audible memoir—cements her status. The runway incident, though jarring, fits her narrative of overcoming adversity, a theme Foster likely intended to celebrate. Yet, the lack of prior coordination with Curtis herself raises ethical questions about consent in such stunts.
Foster’s discreet style contrasts with the public spectacle. After the 1981 Hinckley stalking, she retreated from the limelight, later revealing her identity in a 2013 Golden Globes speech. Her current projects, like Vie Privée’s Cannes success, reflect a deliberate pace, making her involvement here unexpected. Hedison’s photography, often documenting Foster’s public moments, may yet capture this event’s aftermath, adding a personal lens to the story. Some speculate Foster’s intervention aimed to mentor the models, a role she’s explored with younger actors, though the outcome suggests a misstep.
Critics question the gala’s oversight. Why weren’t the models briefed more clearly? The charity’s silence on Foster’s role fuels conspiracy theories, with X users asking, “Was this staged to boost buzz?” Others argue it reflects the chaotic nature of live events, where intentions can spiral. As of 02:00 PM +07 on June 11, 2025, no official apology has emerged, though Curtis’s team hinted at a joint statement with Foster, possibly addressing the misfire.
The incident’s timing during Pride Month amplifies its significance. Curtis’s allyship and Foster’s advocacy align with the month’s focus, yet the humiliation underscores the challenges of inclusivity efforts. Some see it as a microcosm of broader issues—power imbalances, miscommunication, and the pressure on public figures. Curtis’s speech, blending humor with resolve, turned a potential low into a high, suggesting a silver lining. “I’ll take the laugh if it means we’re talking about progress,” she quipped, a line that has since trended.
For Tanaka and Rossi, the fallout could redefine their careers. Emerging models often rely on such events for visibility, but this misstep risks backlash. Foster’s potential mentorship, if pursued, might redeem the situation, though their silence suggests uncertainty. The gala’s organizers, meanwhile, face scrutiny over event planning, with calls for clearer guidelines to prevent similar incidents.
As Pride Month 2025 progresses, this runway moment stands as a complex tale of intent versus impact. Foster’s behind-the-scenes effort to honor Curtis, though flawed, reflects her commitment to community. Curtis’s response transforms humiliation into empowerment, a testament to her resilience. Together, they’ve turned a fashion faux pas into a conversation about authenticity, leaving the industry—and its watchers—pondering the balance between celebration and respect.
