Drew Barrymore was escorted to safety during a live event in New York on Monday (21 August), after a man appeared to rush towards the stage she was speaking from.
The 50 First Dates star, 48, was in conversation with actor and singer Reneé Rapp at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, when the incident took place.
In a TikTok recording, a member of the audience can be heard shouting “Drew Barrymore”, causing her to look up in shock.
“Oh my god, yes? Hi!,” she said, looking over at the side of the stage.
The man went on to identify himself as “Chad Michael Busto”, telling her: “You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while you're in New York.”
Rapp appeared concerned by the man’s behaviour, and quickly stood to place herself in front of Barrymore before walking with her off the stage. A grateful Barrymore can be seen putting her arm around Rapp’s waist in the footage.
Meanwhile, an on-stage security guard quickly intercepted the man, while a second security guard helped lead him away.
A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department told The Independent that no complaints had been filed over the incident at the time of writing.
The Independent has contacted Barrymore’s representative for comment.
After a pause in the event, Barrymore and Rapp returned to the stage, with the musician praising Barrymore for her calm demeanour.
“They’re like, ‘Do you need anything, do you need us to stay?’” she told the audience. “[Barrymore] was like oh no, I got it, I’m good!’”
Barrymore responded: “Well, I got a new definition of your sexiness, it’s that level of protectiveness. That went full bodyguard!”
She joked: “You are my Kevin Costner!”
Barrymore and Rapp were in conversation to discuss the singer’s debut album, Snow Angel. The event was later followed by a special live performance from Rapp.
The Charlie’s Angels star is well-known for her smooth handling of fans. In another viral moment last month, the actor was commended for stopping her Drew Barrymore Show to comfort a crying audience member.
