A high-profile Netflix star was mobbed by a large crowd in central Paris on Tuesday evening, in an incident that has drawn unfavourable comparisons with crowd management protocols implemented in the United Kingdom following the Champions League final in 2022. The actor, whose name has not been officially released by French authorities, was exiting a restaurant in the 1st arrondissement when a group of approximately 200 fans overwhelmed security personnel. Videos circulating on social media show the individual being pushed against a vehicle before police intervened.
The actor was not injured, but the episode has reignited debate about French crowd control measures. French police have faced criticism in recent years for their handling of large gatherings, including during the 2022 Champions League final at the Stade de France, where chaotic scenes led to an official inquiry. By contrast, UK authorities implemented a series of reforms after that event, including enhanced training for stewards and better coordination between police and event organisers.
British crowd management expert Dr. Helen Marshall of the University of Oxford told the BBC that the Paris incident highlights a systemic lack of preparedness. “The UK’s approach emphasises proactive crowd dispersal and communication, whereas French methods have been more reactive,” she said.
French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has ordered a review of security protocols for public events involving celebrities. The incident comes as Paris prepares to host the 2024 Olympic Games, raising concerns about its capacity to manage mass gatherings safely.
