The red carpet of the Golden Globes is traditionally a space where glamour meets the glitz of Hollywood, but the events of January 16, 2006, took an unexpected turn when Isaac Mizrahi, then 44, crossed boundaries during an interview with Scarlett Johansson, then 21.
Isaac Mizrahi, working as an interviewer for E!, approached Scarlett Johansson, a supporting actress nominee for Match Point, with questions that raised eyebrows even in the context of the usually light-hearted Globes night banter.
His line of questioning took an uncomfortable turn when he inquired about the presence of a bra under Johansson’s red scoop neck Valentino gown with soft ruffles on the straps.
Johansson, maintaining composure, responded that it was all “built in,” following the Valentino style.
However, the situation escalated when Mizrahi proceeded to give the lower part of her left breast a firm squeeze, making a suggestive comment that was cut off by Johansson’s surprised and then amused reactions.
The incident prompted a mixture of shock and discomfort, with Johansson later reflecting on the live TV moment, saying, “Oh, my God. This is happening on live TV.” She acknowledged that the public reaction seemed more intense than the experience felt in the moment.
Mizrahi, in response to the backlash, apologized, stating, “If anyone was offended, I’m sorry.” However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, expressing its concern, issued a pointed statement through spokesman John Pavlik.
He emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated on the Academy’s carpet, leaving the repercussions uncertain.
The incident stirred discussions about boundaries, consent, and the responsibility of interviewers, even in the seemingly casual atmosphere of a red carpet event. The uncomfortable encounter between Mizrahi and Johansson highlighted the need for greater awareness and respect in media interactions, prompting a reevaluation of the culture surrounding celebrity interviews, particularly during high-profile events like the Golden Globes.
However, the encounter took an uncomfortable turn when Mizrahi proceeded to give the lower part of Johansson’s left breast a firm squeeze, commenting, “I’m just taking notes for the next time I make a —” before being cut off by the actress. While Johansson initially expressed confusion with a “What is going on?!” she later added, “Absolutely, take all the notes you want.”
Reflecting on the incident, Johansson acknowledged the live TV setting and the subsequent media frenzy. She remarked that people had made a significant issue out of an event that, in the moment, did not seem as sensational. Mizrahi, in response, issued an apology, stating, “If anyone was offended, I’m sorry.”
However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences felt compelled to issue a pointed statement through spokesperson John Pavlik. Pavlik asserted, “I can predict we would be extraordinarily angry if that happened on our carpet. I cannot predict what we would do afterward.”
The incident sparked conversations about appropriate behavior on the red carpet and raised questions about whether Mizrahi’s actions were less problematic as a gay fashion designer. The controversy surrounding the encounter underscored the need for respect and professionalism, even in the ostensibly glamorous and unpredictable world of Hollywood awards ceremonies.
