Los Angeles, CA – On the evening of April 25, 2025, a glittering charity gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel turned into a scene of shocking drama when a billionaire tech CEO spat on Hollywood icon Jodie Foster. The incident, which unfolded in front of a star-studded crowd, left attendees gasping and sparked a firestorm of outrage online. The CEO’s brazen act of disrespect toward the beloved actress—who has been celebrated for her five-decade career and recent Golden Globe win—quickly backfired, leading to a humbling reckoning that no one saw coming.

A Night of Glamour Turns Sour

The gala, hosted to raise funds for Breakthrough Prize recipients and honor scientific achievements, was a high-profile event attended by some of the biggest names in entertainment, science, and business. Jodie Foster, 62, was among the luminaries present, having recently made headlines for her rare public appearances with her sons, Kit and Charlie, at events like the Golden Globes and SAG Awards earlier this year. Foster, who won a Golden Globe in January 2025 for her role in True Detective: Night Country, was there to present an award, her elegant cream-colored gown a nod to her timeless style.

The billionaire in question was Richard Langston, a 48-year-old tech mogul and CEO of Horizon Innovations, a company known for its advancements in artificial intelligence. Langston, whose net worth is estimated at $12 billion, has a reputation for being brash and outspoken, often courting controversy with his unfiltered comments on social media. He had been invited to the gala as a major donor, having pledged $5 million to the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. But his night of philanthropy took a dark turn when he crossed paths with Foster.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred during a cocktail reception before the main ceremony. Foster was mingling with guests, including her wife, Alexandra Hedison, when Langston approached her. The two had never met before, but Langston reportedly made a snide remark about Foster’s recent comments in an interview where she described turning 60 as a “golden age” and expressed her desire to focus on family over acting roles. “Oh, so you’re the has-been who thinks 60 is a golden age?” Langston allegedly sneered, loud enough for nearby guests to hear. Foster, visibly taken aback, responded with her characteristic grace, saying, “I think every age has its own magic, don’t you?”

Langston’s response was shocking. In a moment of inexplicable rage, he spat on Foster, the saliva landing on her shoulder. The room fell silent as guests processed what they had just witnessed. Foster, though stunned, maintained her composure, wiping the spit off with a napkin handed to her by Hedison. “I don’t know what I did to deserve that,” she said softly, her voice steady but laced with disbelief. Security quickly intervened, escorting Langston out of the venue as attendees began to murmur in outrage.

The Internet Erupts

The incident might have stayed within the walls of the Beverly Hilton if not for a guest who captured the moment on their phone. The video, which showed Langston’s aggressive demeanor and Foster’s dignified response, was posted on X and quickly went viral, amassing over 10 million views in just a few hours. The internet exploded with reactions, with fans and celebrities alike condemning Langston’s behavior. “Jodie Foster is a national treasure, and this disgusting man spits on her? He’s done,” one user wrote, summing up the collective sentiment.

Celebrities rallied around Foster, with many taking to social media to express their support. Sofia Vergara, who had shared a lighthearted moment with Foster at the Golden Globes in January, posted on Instagram, “Jodie, you’re a class act. This guy doesn’t deserve to be in the same room as you.” Ayo Edebiri, who has been vocal about her disdain for tech billionaires, wrote, “Another entitled billionaire thinking he can do whatever he wants. Jodie Foster deserves better.” Even Bill Burr, known for his sharp wit, chimed in with a scathing video on X, saying, “This guy spits on Jodie Foster at a charity event? What’s next, kicking a puppy on live TV? Get a grip, man.”

The hashtag #JusticeForJodie began trending, with fans calling for Langston to be held accountable. Some dug into his past, uncovering a history of controversial behavior, including a 2023 incident where he was recorded berating a restaurant server for a minor mistake. Others pointed out the irony of Langston’s actions at a charity event meant to celebrate human achievement, noting that his $5 million donation now seemed like a hollow gesture.

Foster’s Poignant Response

As the outrage grew, all eyes turned to Jodie Foster. Known for her private nature and reluctance to engage in public feuds, Foster initially stayed silent. But on the morning of April 26, 2025, she released a statement through her publicist that was both powerful and poignant. “Last night was a reminder that kindness and respect are the true measures of a person’s worth—not wealth or status,” she wrote. “I’m grateful for the support I’ve received, but I’d rather this moment be a call to action for more compassion in the world, not more anger. Let’s focus on the incredible work of the scientists we honored last night.”

Foster’s statement was widely praised for its grace under pressure, with many noting that it encapsulated why she has remained a beloved figure in Hollywood for over five decades. Her focus on compassion over retribution stood in stark contrast to Langston’s actions, further highlighting the disparity between the two. Foster also made a surprise move by donating $500,000 of her own money to the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, a gesture that was seen as a direct rebuke to Langston’s behavior. “She turned a horrible moment into something positive,” a source close to Foster told a news outlet. “That’s who Jodie is.”

Langston’s Fall from Grace

For Richard Langston, the consequences of his actions were swift and severe. By midday on April 26, Horizon Innovations released a statement distancing itself from its CEO, announcing that Langston would be stepping down “effective immediately” pending an internal investigation. The company’s stock plummeted 15% in pre-market trading, with investors citing concerns over Langston’s leadership and the potential damage to the brand’s reputation. Several major clients, including a prominent AI research institute, announced they were severing ties with Horizon, citing “ethical concerns.”

Langston’s personal life also took a hit. His wife, a well-known philanthropist, was reportedly “devastated” by the incident and has not been seen with him since. Social media platforms banned Langston’s accounts after users reported his history of inflammatory posts, and several charities he had previously supported, including a children’s hospital in San Francisco, publicly rejected his donations, stating they “could not in good conscience accept funds from someone who behaves in such a manner.”

In a desperate attempt to salvage his reputation, Langston issued an apology on April 26, 2025, via a written statement. “I deeply regret my actions at the gala and am profoundly sorry for the disrespect I showed Ms. Foster,” he wrote. “I let my emotions get the better of me, and I take full responsibility. I will be seeking help to address my behavior and make amends.” But the apology was met with skepticism, with many pointing out that Langston had a pattern of aggressive behavior that suggested his actions were not a one-off mistake but a reflection of his character.

A Broader Reckoning

The incident sparked a broader conversation about the behavior of billionaires and the culture of entitlement that often surrounds them. In recent years, tech moguls have faced increasing scrutiny for their actions, from Elon Musk’s controversial political involvement to Mark Zuckerberg’s handling of privacy scandals. Langston’s assault on Foster became a flashpoint in this ongoing debate, with commentators questioning why some billionaires feel untouchable. “This isn’t just about Jodie Foster,” wrote a columnist for a major news outlet. “It’s about a class of people who believe their wealth gives them the right to treat others with disdain.”

The incident also highlighted Foster’s enduring legacy as a figure of dignity and resilience. Her career, which spans roles in classics like Taxi Driver and The Silence of the Lambs to her recent work in True Detective: Night Country, has been defined by her talent and professionalism. Off-screen, she has been a devoted mother to her sons, Kit and Charlie, and a loving wife to Alexandra Hedison, whom she married in 2014. Her recent appearances with her family—at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony—have endeared her to fans, who see her as a rare example of a Hollywood star who remains grounded despite her success.

A Moment of Triumph for Foster

For Jodie Foster, the incident at the gala became an unexpected moment of triumph. Her response—both in the moment and in the aftermath—earned her widespread admiration, with fans and peers alike praising her for handling the situation with grace. “Jodie Foster is the definition of class,” wrote one fan on X. “She didn’t stoop to his level—she rose above it.” Another added, “This is why she’s been in the game for 50 years. No one can touch her.”

Foster’s donation to the Breakthrough Prize Foundation was seen as a powerful statement, redirecting the narrative toward the cause the gala was meant to celebrate. The foundation issued a statement thanking her for her generosity, noting that her contribution would fund scholarships for young scientists. Meanwhile, Foster continued her work, with reports indicating she is preparing for the release of her new French-language murder mystery film Vie Privée, which was recently acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for North American and Latin American distribution.

For Richard Langston, the incident marked a dramatic fall from grace. Once a celebrated figure in the tech world, he is now a pariah, his career and reputation in tatters. The billionaire who thought he could disrespect Jodie Foster without consequence learned a hard lesson: in the court of public opinion, true worth isn’t measured by wealth, but by character. As the world continues to rally around Foster, Langston is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered legacy, a stark reminder that even the most powerful can be humbled in an instant.