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### Céline Dion’s Unforgettable NHL Draft Moment: Security Ejects Prince Harry
In a surprising twist at the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas on June 28, renowned singer Céline Dion made headlines for ordering security to remove Prince Harry from the event.
The beloved music icon was present to announce the Montreal Canadiens' fifth-round draft pick, but her actions towards the Duke of Sussex have ignited a firestorm of debate and criticism.
The NHL Draft is an annual spectacle that draws sports fans and celebrities alike, and Dion's appearance was highly anticipated.
Known for her powerful vocals and graceful presence, she was introduced as the Canadiens' number one fan, a title she wore with pride.
Dressed in a stunning white v-neck gown and accompanied by her eldest son, Rene-Charles Angelil, Dion was greeted with enthusiastic cheers as she took the stage.
With a bright smile, she shook hands and exchanged cheek kisses with team executives, setting a lighthearted tone for the evening.
As she approached the microphone, she even joked, “I'm excited!
I'm not even a hockey mom!”
before revealing the Canadiens' draft pick, Ivan Demidov, a talented player from Russia.
However, the celebratory atmosphere took a sudden turn when Prince Harry's uninvited presence stirred up unexpected drama.
Harry, whose life has been under the media microscope, reportedly attended the NHL Draft out of personal interest in hockey.
His aim was to engage with the sporting community, but his unexpected arrival didn't sit well with Dion.
Eyewitnesses noted a shift in her demeanor as she spotted Harry mingling with other guests.
It wasn't long before she was seen hurriedly discussing the situation with security personnel.
Moments later, security approached Prince Harry and asked him to leave, leading to a scene that captured the attention of everyone in attendance.
While the specifics of the exchange remain murky, reports indicate that Harry was caught off guard by the request.
Sources close to him say he attempted to explain his presence, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
As security escorted him out, reactions from the crowd were mixed.
Some attendees expressed shock and disapproval of Dion's actions, while others felt she was justified in maintaining the event's exclusivity.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with many criticizing Dion for her seemingly harsh treatment of Prince Harry.
Critics argued that Dion's behavior was unbecoming of someone known for her kindness and grace.
They contended that although Harry was uninvited, his presence should not have warranted such a drastic response.
Supporters of the prince took to social media to voice their outrage, labeling Dion's actions as disrespectful and unnecessary, especially given Harry's philanthropic work and advocacy for mental health awareness.
In response to the backlash, representatives for Céline Dion released a statement defending her decision.
They emphasized that her primary concern was for the integrity of the event and the comfort of invited guests.
According to the statement, Dion was unaware of Prince Harry's attendance prior to the event and felt it was inappropriate for an uninvited guest to overshadow the proceedings.
The statement further clarified that Dion has long been a devoted supporter of the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, asserting that her actions were motivated solely by her desire to ensure a smooth event.
While she respects Prince Harry and acknowledges his contributions, her stance was that his unexpected presence did not align with the event's protocols.
This incident comes just days after Dion premiered her new documentary, “I Am, Céline Dion,” directed by Irene Taylor.
The film offers an intimate glimpse into her life and the challenges she has faced since being diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome in August 2022.
It serves as a heartfelt tribute to her fans, showcasing her resilience and the music that has shaped her life.
Since her diagnosis, Dion has had to cancel several tour dates and undergo a rigorous treatment regimen, which includes medication, immune therapy, vocal therapy, and physical rehabilitation.
Her documentary aims to inspire others, highlighting the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
As the dust settles on this dramatic NHL Draft moment, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact both Céline Dion's public image and Prince Harry's ongoing journey in the spotlight.