In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, renowned singer Céline Dion allegedly ordered security to remove Prince Harry on Friday, June 28.
Dion, a 56-year-old music icon celebrated for her powerful vocals and poise, was present at the event to announce the Montreal Canadiens’ fifth-round draft pick.
However, her actions towards Prince Harry have stirred controversy and criticism among spectators.
The NHL Draft, an annual affair that draws attention from sports enthusiasts and celebrities, was bustling with activity when Céline Dion made her unexpected entrance.
Introduced as the Canadiens’ top fan, Dion embraced the title with evident pride, donning a striking white v-neck dress and accompanied by her eldest son, Rene-Charles Angelil.
The crowd greeted her arrival with enthusiastic cheers as she exchanged greetings with team officials, setting a vibrant atmosphere.
Approaching the microphone with a blend of excitement and humor, Dion playfully remarked, “I’m excited.
I’m not even a hockey mom,” before revealing the Canadiens’ draft pick as Ivan Demidov from Russia.
However, the festive ambiance took an abrupt turn when Prince Harry, known for his frequent media attention and public scrutiny, made an uninvited appearance at the event, reportedly driven by his personal interest in hockey.
Witnesses observed a noticeable shift in Dion’s demeanor upon spotting Prince Harry mingling with attendees.
Allegedly perceiving his presence as intrusive, Dion swiftly engaged event security, leading to Prince Harry being asked to leave.
The ensuing commotion captured the attention of all present, with conflicting reactions arising among the audience regarding the incident.
As Prince Harry was escorted out, some attendees expressed shock and disapproval of Dion’s actions, while others supported her stance on maintaining decorum and exclusivity at the event.
Criticism of Dion surfaced on social media and news platforms, with detractors labeling her behavior as unwarranted given Harry’s charitable endeavors and advocacy for mental health awareness.
In response to the backlash, representatives for Céline Dion defended her decision, citing her commitment to upholding the event’s integrity and ensuring guest comfort.
Emphasizing that Dion was unaware of Prince Harry’s attendance beforehand, the statement clarified her motive to prevent uninvited guests, regardless of stature, from overshadowing the proceedings.
While acknowledging Prince Harry’s contributions, Dion’s team stressed the importance of adhering to event protocols.
The incident involving Prince Harry unfolded amidst the release of Dion’s documentary, “I Am, Céline Dion,” directed by Irene Taylor, which delves into the singer’s battle with Stiff Person Syndrome since her diagnosis in August 2022.
The documentary serves as a tribute to her fans, shedding light on the music that has guided her through adversity and showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
Dion’s struggle with the illness has necessitated tour cancellations and intensive treatment, including medication, immune therapy, vocal training, and physical rehabilitation.