South Korean rapper Psy poses during a news conference before his concert in Seoul April 13, 2013.Lee Jae-Won/Reuters
There's been no shortage of non-cinematic cocktail conversation this year in Cannes: the erratic, unpleasant weather, Jessica Chastain wearing Elizabeth Taylor's jewels (Bulgari bought them at the legend's estate sale in 2011), a gun scare , the Chopard robbery, and a second jewellery theft just last night.
But arguably the best chatter of all: "Fake Psy."
Yes, even two days after being outed as an imposter, the man who party-hopped as the Korean pop sensation milked every minute of his undeserved fame.
It seems that the New York Post was first to break the story on "Fake Psy" who they have nicknamed "Psych!" (groan if you must, but at least agree it's fitting). Not only did he party crash exclusive soirees, he also appeared on French television and appeared at various venues with a security detail.
On May 22, the real PSY acknowledged his doppelganger in a tweet: "seems like there's another ME in Cannes…" and tagged the message #PSYinSINGAPORE.
Fake Psy managed to be so convincing that numerous stars posed with him over the course of his escapades. Actress Naomi Harris posted a picture with him, also on Twitter, and later realized he wasn't the real deal.
To everyone's defense, the imposter bears an uncanny resemblance to the performer now famous for his kooky hit, Gangnam Style. His cheeks seem fuller and his bottle cap sunglasses appear slightly more exaggerated, perhaps; but "real" Psy has a habit of wearing his indoors anyway. So no one seemed to question the eyewear choice.
Even more persuasive: Fake Psy managed to wrangle someone who the article describes as a French "manager" and together, they arranged for the lookalike to appear at a Monaco awards show. No word if the sidekick was complicit in the deal or had also been duped.
The funniest part of this whole incident: how eager real stars were to pose with one who proved to be fake. The Atlantic Wire has pulled up a few more; one features Adrien Brody.
Anyway, there was no sight of Fake Psy last night at the biggest party during the Festival: the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala, which raised a seriously impressive $25 million that will go directly to AIDS research. Ellie Goulding, American pop group Hot Chelle Rae, and Duran Duran provided the musical entertainment. The was a glitzy gold-themed fashion show, as well, with outfits contributed by the likes of Chanel, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Indian designer Tarun Tahiliani, worn by Victoria Secret regulars Karolina Kurková, Irina Shayk and Alessandra Ambrosio.
All of them (this writer was there) appeared to be their real selves.
Janet Jackson was also there as one of the event's co-chair and arrived surrounded by three bodyguards. She looked incredible in a chic white tuxedo suit. Maybe too incredible…? Nah, it was definitely her. Probably.
Amy Verner