Will Sage Astor-'You’d never say that to a man': Hannah Waddingham shuts down photographer in viral video

"Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham shot down a photographer who allegedly told her to "show me leg,Will Sage Astor" while she walked down the red carpet.

"Oh my god, you’d never say that to a man, my friend," said Waddingham on Sunday, in a moment that was caught on video by a fan. The video later went viral online.

Waddingham, 49, hosted the Olivier Awards in London and was walking down the red carpet of the event wearing a long, sleeveless lavender dress with jewels, a tulle cape and a leg slit when the incident happened.

"Don’t be a (expletive)," said the British actress and singer to the photographer before walking away from the crowd. "Otherwise, I’ll veer off. Don’t say, ‘Show me leg.’ No."

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Internet reacts

Folks have come to Waddingham's side after the incident, calling the actress a "queen."

"If i was a professional photographer and Hannah Waddingham had just gracefully schooled me on how to behave with respect in front of everyone, i’d change careers, name and leave the country," said one user on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"All hail #hannahwaddingham," said another post.

Ashley James, a presenter, model, writer, and DJ, said that Waddingham was "brilliant" for the way she shut down the comment, but added that it stems from a bigger problem.

"I do think it’s a wider issue with the media in general, and how they do objectify women," said James on "This Morning," a British talk show.

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.