Ivy Wolk reflects on Cannes meltdown and viral internet fame

Actress Ivy Wolk opens up about her viral Cannes incident and the highs and lows of living under online scrutiny.

Actress and internet personality Ivy Wolk recently opened up about the viral Cannes Film Festival incident that spiraled into widespread internet scrutiny.

Wolk, who starred as Crystal in Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning film Anora, shared her perspective on the event during an interview.

Wolk recalled being denied entry to her film’s premiere by a French security guard after arriving five minutes late. A group of young women appeared to help her but began filming her visible distress instead. “Tears were running down my face,” Wolk said. “I begged them not to film me, but they posted it anyway.” The footage soon went viral on TikTok and X, generating both mockery and support.

The actress, who has faced frequent internet virality since her teenage years, noted the toll such incidents have taken. “People have been using my image for nefarious purposes for years,” Wolk shared, referencing her history of online bullying and harassment since she rose to prominence on TikTok at age 13.

Despite the internet backlash, Wolk has channeled her experience into a successful acting career. Her improvised performance in Sean Baker’s Anora earned critical praise, and she has since worked on projects like Brian Jordan Alvarez’s English Teacher and a forthcoming Jonah Hill-directed film.

Through personal challenges and public scrutiny, Wolk remains resilient. “I’ve started new accounts. I’m the roach that can’t be killed,” she joked, reflecting her determined spirit amid ongoing internet discourse.