Anne Hathaway apologises for viral 'Verity' red carpet moment

Anne Hathaway explains why she directed photographers during viral 'Verity' red carpet appearance

Anne Hathaway has addressed her viral red carpet appearance at the premiere of Verity, explaining why she began directing photographers during a chaotic photo call.

The 43-year-old actor discussed the moment during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after footage of her interacting with photographers circulated online.

“I know exactly what you're going to show, it can only be one thing. It's horrifying; it is the stuff of nightmares, Jimmy,” Hathaway said before the clip was shown.

The footage showed Hathaway waving her arms and directing photographers as she posed alongside Verity co-stars Josh Hartnett and Dakota Johnson. She explained that she was attempting to help manage the crowded red carpet.

“It was like mom mode by way of chorus line,” Hathaway said. “I was trying to be helpful. There were so many of us and the photographers were getting upset, and the vibe was changing.”

Hathaway said she quickly regretted the moment after realising that the incident was also being recorded on video.

“I was doing it because I was trying to get them their picture, but when I was done I was like, 'but there's also video!' And I went into a full cringe crouch from inside.”

She subsequently apologised for the incident, saying, “I apologize, everybody. That girl came out to play last night. Actually, she didn't come to play. She came for business.”

Another recording showed Hathaway telling photographers, “OK, everybody ready? We are going to start from the left and then we can make our way that way.”

Johnson could be heard joking during the incident, “I'm going to leave.”

Verity, directed by Michael Showalter, stars Hathaway as crime writer Verity Crawford, who becomes incapacitated after an accident. Johnson plays a struggling writer hired by Verity’s husband to complete her bestselling series.

The film opened at No. 1 at the North American box office with $32.6 million domestically and $30 million internationally.