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Céline Dion’s Shocking Ejection of Prince Harry at NHL Draft Stirs Controversy
In a surprising twist at the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, singer Céline Dion made headlines for reportedly ordering security to remove Prince Harry from the event.
The renowned artist, celebrated for her remarkable vocal talent, was there to announce a draft pick for the Montreal Canadiens, but her actions toward the prince have ignited considerable debate and criticism.
The NHL Draft, an annual spectacle that attracts sports fans and celebrities alike, was buzzing with excitement when Dion made her grand entrance.
Introduced as the Canadiens' number one fan, she embraced the title with pride.
Dressed in an elegant white v-neck gown and accompanied by her eldest son, Rene-Charles Angelil, Dion received a warm welcome from the audience, who cheered enthusiastically as she took to the stage.
With a blend of humor and excitement, Dion engaged the crowd, even quipping, “I'm excited.
I'm not even a hockey mom!”
before revealing the Canadiens' fifth-round draft pick, Ivan Demidov from Russia.
Just as the festive atmosphere reached its peak, an unexpected disruption occurred involving Prince Harry, who attended the event without an official invitation.
Eyewitnesses suggest that Harry's appearance stemmed from his genuine interest in hockey and a desire to connect with the sporting community.
However, it seems that his presence was unwelcome to Dion, who perceived it as an intrusion on the event's exclusivity.
Reports indicate that as she noticed him mingling among the guests, her demeanor shifted dramatically.
Witnesses claim that Dion quickly conferred with security personnel, leading to a tense moment where they approached Prince Harry and asked him to leave.
The scene escalated rapidly, capturing the attention of everyone in attendance.
While the exact details of the interaction remain murky, it's clear that Harry was taken aback by the request to exit.
Sources close to the prince reveal that he attempted to explain his presence and reason with the security team, but his pleas were disregarded.
As he was escorted out, reactions among the audience varied widely.
Some expressed shock and disapproval of Dion's actions, while others felt she was justified in maintaining the event's decorum.
The incident quickly became a trending topic on social media, with many criticizing Dion for her perceived hostility towards Prince Harry.
Detractors argued that her response was unbecoming of someone known for grace and kindness, asserting that Harry's uninvited attendance did not warrant such a severe reaction.
Supporters of Prince Harry voiced their outrage online, labeling Dion's behavior as disrespectful and unnecessary.
They pointed out Harry's charitable work and advocacy for mental health awareness, arguing he deserved better treatment, especially at a public event.
In response to the backlash, representatives for Céline Dion released a statement defending her actions.
They emphasized that her primary concern was preserving the integrity of the event and ensuring the comfort of invited guests.
The statement clarified that Dion was unaware of Prince Harry's attendance prior to the event and deemed it inappropriate for an uninvited guest to overshadow the occasion.
Dion has long been a passionate supporter of the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft.
Her representatives stated that her actions were driven solely by a desire to ensure the event proceeded smoothly, without disruptions.
They acknowledged her respect for Prince Harry and his contributions but maintained that his unannounced presence was not in line with the event's protocols.
Interestingly, this incident unfolded just days after Dion premiered her documentary, “I Am, Céline Dion,” directed by Irene Taylor.
The film offers an intimate glimpse into her life, detailing her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, a condition she was diagnosed with in August 2022.
The documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to her fans, showcasing the music that has shaped her journey while highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.
Since her diagnosis, Dion has faced significant challenges, including the cancellation of tour dates and an extensive treatment regimen consisting of medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy, and physical rehabilitation.
This recent episode at the NHL Draft adds yet another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding the beloved singer as she navigates both her personal struggles and the complexities of public life.