Nicole Kidman sparks controversy with ‘rude’ red carpet exchange: ‘I would have been embarrassed!’

Nicole Kidman, 57, divided fans on social media in a controversial red carpet exchange at the premiere of her latest film, Babygirl.

The Oscar-winning actress sparked a debate during the Los Angeles debut of the steamy romantic thriller last week after her reaction to a reporter from an online showbiz outlet went viral.

As the Aussie actress strutted the red carpet, a reporter from Pop Crave, which boasts two million followers on X, posed a question to her.

Kidman asked the journalist to repeat their outlet’s name before responding with an incredulous shake of the head – which some interpreted as signalling her unfamiliarity with the popular entertainment website.

The moment showed the 57-year-old star glancing off-camera, shrugging and laughing heartily before turning back to the questioner.

Fan reactions to the moment were sharply divided on social media.

“I would’ve been so embarrassed if I was Pop Crave and Nicole Kidman laughed at me like that,” one follower commented, whilst another declared bluntly, “She’s rude.”

Critics were particularly harsh about her reaction, with one stating: “Like lowkey the way she laughed so extremely too I’d be like nvm b**** I’m not asking you anything then.”

However, many celebrated Kidman’s flippant demeanour and apparent disconnect from social media culture.

“HAHAHAHAA omfg she’s a legend,” wrote one supporter, whilst another praised her as “so Queenie!”

Some viewers found the moment perfectly on-brand for the Hollywood star, celebrating her “offline queen” energy.

Kidman will hope the exchange will not distract from her critically praised performance in Babygirl, where she portrays a CEO involved in a forbidden office romance.

The actress recently discussed the film’s intimate scenes with her 28-year-old co-star Harris Dickinson, describing them as “delicate and intimate and very deep.”

Speaking to Woman’s Day, Kidman revealed how she worked with an intimacy coordinator whilst maintaining creative freedom.

“There was still a flow to it, which allowed space to move and change and work,” she said.

She also admitted to The Sun that filming proved challenging at times, saying: “I don’t want to orgasm any more. Don’t come near me.”

The A24 erotic thriller, set for theatrical release on December 25, explores complex power dynamics through the story of CEO Romy Mathis and her younger intern Samuel.

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The film features an accomplished ensemble cast including Antonio Banderas as Romy’s husband Jacob Mathis.

Sophie Wilde and Esther McGregor round out the supporting cast in the steamy office drama.

Kidman compared her character’s dynamic to her role in Big Little Lies, telling Woman’s Day: “This definitely leaves me exposed and vulnerable and frightened and all of those things when it’s given to the world.”