Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek appeared to share an awkward moment caught on camera, leaving the internet divided. But a source close to the stars reveals a very different story.
Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek have found themselves at the center of a social media whirlwind after a resurfaced video sparked widespread speculation about tension between the two stars.
A fan comment date September 20, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@gala.fr
The clip, taken at the Balenciaga show on September 30, shows Kidman and Katy Perry posing for photos, while Hayek steps in to position Kidman, placing an arm across her body to face the cameras.
Salma Hayek and Nicole Kidman taking photos at the Balanciaga Show during Paris Fashion Week posted on October 14, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@thepopgirlz
In response, Kidman, 57, removes Hayek’s hand from her arm, turns away to hug Perry, and exchanges brief words with Hayek before eventually walking out of the frame, leaving Hayek and Perry to continue taking photos.
Since the video’s reappearance, online debate has flared up, with viewers divided on what exactly unfolded between the Hollywood icons. “Huh, what’s going on here? Seems like some tension,” one user wrote.
Salma Hayek and Nicole Kidman taking photos at the Balanciaga Show during Paris Fashion Week posted on October 14, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@thepopgirlz
Others were quick to criticize Kidman’s actions, interpreting her body language as dismissive. One observer remarked, “Kidman seems kinda drunk… the kind where you just have a head full of your own agenda.” Another lamented, “I thought Nikole Kidman had class! Not at all[sic].”
Salma Hayek and Katy Perry taking photos at the Balanciaga Show during Paris Fashion Week posted on October 14, 2024 | Source: TikTok/@thepopgirlz
Others even vowed never to “watch a movie with Nicole[sic].” One particularly harsh comment read, “Straight up treated her like a housekeeper 😂,” But not everyone was so quick to point fingers. While the “Team Salma” supporters voiced their disapproval of Kidman’s behavior, other fans took a more neutral stance.
One viewer suggested that Hayek, 58, may have “overstepped,” with another chiming in, “That definitely looked like Nicole did not appreciate Salma Hayek trying to direct her on where to go.”
Some defended Kidman’s response, arguing that she was simply asserting her own boundaries in a crowded, camera-filled space. “I think Nicole is trying to tell Salma she’ll turn for the pics when wants and that they don’t dictate. Not being rude,” [sic] one social media user explained.
Nicole Kidman at Balenciaga RTW Spring 2025 on September 30, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Another wrote, “Salma was directing Nicole a bit too much. I’m sure celebrities need to pause between all those flashes. They are fine.”
Following the resurfaced video of Nicole Kidman and Hayek at the Balenciaga show, a source close to the two stars has stepped in to set the record straight.
Salma Hayek at Balenciaga RTW Spring 2025 on September 30, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
The person revealed exclusively to People that the entire incident has been blown out of proportion. “Nothing happened,” the insider insisted. “They were being bombarded by cameras at the end of the show while in the middle of a conversation. People are looking at clips and making a story out of nothing.”
The source, who is familiar with both actresses, dismissed the speculations, calling it “silly.” They added, “Salma and Nicole love and respect each other.”
The Balenciaga show marked a significant moment for Kidman, as it was her first public appearance since the passing of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September.
Some fans were quick to rally behind the “Moulin Rouge” actress, citing her grief as a reason for her seemingly distant behavior in the video. One supporter noted, “Her mother just died, let it go.”
Nicole Kidman and her mother Janelle attend the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 25, 2004, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Kidman had previously shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking her followers for their support during this difficult time.
She wrote, “Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express. Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ❤️.”
Despite the video drama, both actresses appear to have moved on. Hayek, posted a series of photos from the event on her Instagram, including one featuring Kidman, signaling that the two remain on good terms.
Nicole Kidman and Salma Hayek during Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week posted on October 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/salmahayek
The long-standing personal and professional ties between the two stars make it clear that any tension people think they saw wasn’t real.
In December 2023 Kidman was announced as an ambassador for Balenciaga, a brand owned by Kering, which is headed by Hayek’s husband, CEO François-Henri Pinault. The three were even seated together at the show, emphasizing their close ties.
Katy Perry, Bill Skarsgård, Salma Hayek, François-Henri Pinault, Nicole Kidman, Anna Wintour and Kyle MacLachlan at Balenciaga RTW Spring 2025 on September 30, 2024, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
But their connection doesn’t stop there. Hayek has maintained a friendship with Kidman’s ex-husband, Tom Cruise, dating back to their work together on the 2006 film “Ask the Dust.”
Over the years, Cruise and Hayek have remained close, with Hayek even celebrating Cruise’s 62nd birthday this summer by posting a photo of the two at Victoria Beckham’s birthday party earlier this year.
Salma Hayek, Tom Cruise and a guest at Victoria Beckham’s birthday party posted on April 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/salmahayek
While online discussions continue, it seems clear that any perceived friction between Kidman and Hayek is purely speculative, with both actresses remaining firmly in each other’s corner.