Australian actor Jacob Elordi has ignited a social media storm after a seemingly innocuous red carpet moment at the Los Angeles world premiere of Wuthering Heights went viral. The 28-year-old star was captured on camera discreetly placing chewed gum into the outstretched hand of his mother, Melissa Elordi, as he posed for photographs on Wednesday evening.
Viral Clip Sparks Heated Online Debate
The footage, which quickly spread across social platforms, shows Elordi turning to his mother mid-walk and depositing the gum with a sheepish, cheeky smile before continuing his red carpet duties. The act has left fans and followers sharply divided, with reactions ranging from disgust to admiration for the close family bond.
Critics Label Act as 'Gross' and Inappropriate
Many online commentators expressed outright disapproval of the gesture. One social media user declared, 'This is not cute,' while another simply stated, 'Gross!' A third admitted, 'I just audibly gasped,' highlighting the visceral reaction from some quarters. Another critic suggested, 'Next time... swallow it... that's what us women would've done... baby,' implying a double standard in behaviour.
Defenders Praise Mother-Son Relationship
However, a significant portion of fans rushed to Elordi's defence, commending his mother's supportive role. One supporter noted, 'Mum always to the rescue. I love how close he is with his parents.' Another added, 'Once a mum always a mum, red carpet or no,' framing the act as a testament to enduring parental care. The incident even drew a humorous parallel from actor Adrien Brody, who faced backlash for a similar gum-related moment at the 2025 Oscars, quipping simply, 'Relatable.'
Elordi's Nerves Ahead of Major Film Role
The red carpet controversy comes as Elordi opens up about the pressures of starring in the highly anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel. In a cover interview for Esquire UK's March/April issue, the actor confessed to feeling nervous about the scale of the production, which sees him playing Heathcliff opposite Margot Robbie's Catherine.
Elordi revealed, 'The older I get, the more nervous I get... it was a big movie, and the crew was big and the sets were big.' Director Emerald Fennell echoed this, noting, 'Yes, and also Margot is the biggest star in the world and you're playing opposite each other. It's f***ing big.'
The actor admitted to moments of self-doubt, questioning whether he had prepared sufficiently for the role. He reflected on the weight of responsibility, stating, 'There's 600 people there that have put so much work and effort in, who've toiled and waited and not seen their families, and then you need to come in and put a layer onto the cake.' Elordi added that imposter syndrome lingers, saying, 'There will probably always be an imposter element to acting for me, just because I dreamt about it so intensely that it almost feels like it couldn't have happened.'
About the Film
Wuthering Heights, produced by Margot Robbie's LuckyChap Entertainment, is a major cinematic adaptation of the gothic romance novel. Set for release on February 13, just before Valentine's Day, the film pairs two of Australia's biggest acting exports in a drama that has generated significant anticipation. The premiere event, intended to showcase the film, inadvertently turned a personal moment between mother and son into a focal point of public discourse, illustrating how celebrity behaviour on the red carpet can sometimes overshadow the art itself.
