A photo of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson in Cannes spread rapidly after several media outlets reported the married couple of 35 years were yelling at a staffer on the red carpet.
The photo in question shows the actors having a conversation with the staffer, Hanks pointing at him and both furrowing their brows.
\u201cTom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson seemingly scold man at \u2018Asteroid City\u2019 Cannes premiere https://t.co/9QHU02xJMP\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684884627
But Wilson took to social media to set the record straight.
The couple, who was on the red carpet for their new movie Asteroid City, were - according to Wilson - having a hard time hearing the staffer over all the noise.
In an Instagram story, Wilson shared a photo of a tabloid story claiming the duo were "remonstrating" with the staffer, complete with a "Raving Private Ryan" headline intro to boot.
Wilson overlayed the photo with text that read:
“This is called I can’t hear you. People are screaming, What did you say? Where are we supposed to go?”
“But that doesn’t sell stories! Nice try.”
“We had a great time! Go see Asteroid City!”
@ritawilson/Instagram
Some on social media appreciated Wilson's explanation and agreed photos can easily be misinterpreted.
\u201c@PageSix A photograph is a split second and this one can be interpreted either anger or consternation. The reaction by the other man shows me that Tom Hanks is exhibiting the later.\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684929943
\u201c@PageSix Yeah I buy it\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684929943
\u201c@PageSix I believe her.\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684929943
\u201c@AldiUK It wasn't a heated altercation\nhttps://t.co/CUBE47ICTu\u201d— Aldi Stores UK (@Aldi Stores UK) 1684942618
Others, however, weren't buying it.
\u201c@PageSix \ud83d\ude09\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684972868
\u201c@PageSix I think her explanation is BS, there have been other times when they\u2019ve talked down to people, a situation a few months ago where Tom Hanks turned around and berated and cussed at reporters then peeked over and saw the camera crew and quickly stopped and turned around. Phony\u2019s\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684884627
\u201c@OntheTee33 @PageSix I've heard rumors since way back when that he's difficult.\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684884627
\u201c@PageSix Ew, Tom Hanks looks like a total jerk here\ud83d\ude12\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684884627
\u201c@PageSix I dunno \ud83e\udd37\ud83c\udffb\u200d\u2642\ufe0f. But ain\u2019t a grown man on earth that needs to be talked to the way these rich mother fu**ers are talking to him \n\nI ain\u2019t your damn kid \ud83e\udd2c\u201d— Page Six (@Page Six) 1684929943
\u201c@newscomauHQ You know what? I don't think he is a very nice man ....could be wrong.\u201d— news.com.au (@news.com.au) 1684887600
Whatever the real story, though, the moment didn't put a damper on the cast's celebratory night.
Asteroid City - directed by Wes Anderson and starring Hanks, Maya Hawke, Sophia Lillis, Scarlett Johannson, Margot Robbie, Jason Schwartzman... the list goes on - reportedly received a six-minute standing ovation after its showing in Cannes.
The film is set to release next month.