In an unexpected and dramatic turn of events, renowned singer Celine Dion reportedly ordered security to eject Prince Harry from the 2024 NHL Draft held at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Friday, June 28th.
The 56-year-old music legend, known for her powerful voice and poised demeanor, was at the event to announce the Montreal Canadiens' fifth-round draft pick. However, her actions towards Prince Harry have sparked widespread controversy and criticism.
The NHL Draft, an annual event that garners significant attention from sports enthusiasts and celebrities alike, was in full swing when Celine Dion made her surprise appearance. She was introduced on stage as the Canadiens' number one fan, a title she embraced with evident pride. Wearing a stunning white v-neck dress and accompanied by her eldest son, René-Charles Angélil, Dion's entrance was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
As Dion made her way to the stage, smiling and greeting the team heads with handshakes and cheek kisses, the atmosphere was electric. She approached the microphone with a mix of excitement and humor, even joking, "I'm excited, I'm not even a hockey mom," before announcing the Canadiens' draft pick, Ian Demida from Russia.
However, the festive mood was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected commotion involving Prince Harry. The prince, who has been a frequent subject of media attention and public scrutiny, attended the event without an official invitation. Reports suggest that his unplanned appearance was motivated by his personal interest in hockey and his desire to engage with the sporting community. However, his presence did not sit well with Celine Dion, who reportedly viewed it as an intrusion.
Eyewitnesses recount that as Dion noticed Prince Harry mingling with the attendees, her demeanor changed noticeably. She was seen exchanging hurried words with the event's security team, after which security personnel approached Prince Harry and asked him to leave. The request quickly escalated into a scene that caught the attention of everyone present.
The details of what transpired between Prince Harry and the security team remain somewhat unclear. However, it is widely reported that Harry was visibly taken aback by the demand to leave. Sources close to the prince indicate that he tried to explain his presence and reason with the security staff, but his efforts were in vain. As the security team escorted Prince Harry out of the venue, the incident drew mixed reactions from the audience. Some attendees expressed shock and disapproval of Dion's actions, while others believed she was justified in maintaining the event's decorum and exclusivity.
The incident quickly became a hot topic on social media and news outlets, with many criticizing Celine Dion for her apparent hostility towards Prince Harry. Critics argued that her actions were unbecoming of a public figure known for her grace and kindness. They pointed out that Harry's presence, though uninvited, did not warrant such a drastic response. Supporters of Prince Harry took to social media to express their outrage, with many calling Dion's behavior disrespectful and unnecessary. They highlighted Harry's contributions to various charitable causes and his efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues, arguing that he deserved better treatment.
In the wake of the backlash, representatives for Celine Dion issued a statement defending her actions. They emphasized that Dion's primary concern was the integrity of the event and the comfort of the invited guests. The statement noted that Dion was not informed about Prince Harry's attendance beforehand and felt it was inappropriate for an uninvited guest, even a high-profile one, to overshadow the event. "Celine Dion has always been a dedicated supporter of the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft," the statement read. "Her actions were solely motivated by her desire to ensure that the event proceeded smoothly and without disruptions. She respects Prince Harry and his contributions but felt that his presence without prior arrangement was not in line with the event's protocols."
Dion's surprise appearance comes a few days after she released her new documentary, "I Am Celine Dion," directed by Irene Taylor, which gives a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the superstar's struggle with a life-altering illness, Stiff Person Syndrome, which she was diagnosed with in August 2022. Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. A synopsis for the documentary reads, "Since the diagnosis, the 'My Heart Will Go On' singer has had to cancel tour dates and take on an intense treatment plan, which has included medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy, and physical rehabilitation."
