At the 97th Annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, an interaction between Kylie Jenner and Sir Elton John became a hot topic of discussion online. The moment occurred during a commercial break inside the Dolby Theatre when actor Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor for his role in A Complete Unknown, introduced his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, to the legendary musician.
In the widely circulated video, Chalamet is seen warmly greeting Elton John before turning to introduce Jenner. However, instead of standing up, Jenner remained seated and simply extended her hand, which Elton John graciously took and kissed. This seemingly small gesture sparked an immediate wave of criticism on social media.
Many viewers saw Jenner’s decision to stay seated as a sign of disrespect toward the music icon. Comments flooded in, with people expressing sentiments such as, “Oh no no no, you get up for Sir Elton John,” and “That is Sir Elton John, you stand when being introduced to him.” Another user remarked, “Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t buy manners or respect.”
Critics emphasized that standing up when being introduced to someone, particularly a figure of Elton John’s stature, is a basic sign of politeness. One commenter wrote, “I have no issue with the Kardashians, but stand up when being introduced to anyone, especially Sir Elton John. He’s a living legend. That just didn’t sit right with me.”
However, some people came to Jenner’s defense, arguing that her tight-fitting Miu Miu gown may have made it difficult for her to stand up quickly. Others pointed out that Elton John himself did not appear offended and handled the interaction with grace, indicating that the moment was being overanalyzed.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about etiquette and public behavior at high-profile events. While some believe Jenner’s actions were simply a matter of personal comfort, others argue that basic respect should always take precedence, especially in the presence of someone as revered as Elton John.
Regardless of intent, this brief interaction has once again placed Kylie Jenner under public scrutiny, highlighting the intense attention celebrities face during major events like the Oscars.