27 February 2023 , 11:08
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Zendaya has infuriated die-hard fans of Normal People actor Paul Mescal after she appeared to swerve his gentlemanly gesture during the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night.
Euphoria actress Zendaya, 26, appeared to swerve Paul's offer of an arm as the co-presenters made their way up the stage to present an award at the prestigious film ceremony.
Eagle-eyed viewers cringed as Paul, 27, offered his arm out to help Zendaya up the steps to the stage - only for him to be turned down as she walked up the stairs by herself after declining his attempt to escort her.
Straight after the awkward exchange, Oscar nominee Paul then fumbled over his words as the pair read from a teleprompter - but viewers found the blunder endearing as they watched it unfold.
Oscar nominee Paul then fumbled over his words as the pair read from a teleprompter (Variety via Getty Images)While some viewers were amused by the awkward moment, others shared that they 'felt for Paul' after claiming he looked overwhelmed by the occassion.
Alison Hammond, Florence Pugh, Viola Davis & Paul Mescal lead stars at BAFTAs
"Paul Mescal trying to help Zendaya up the stairs and she said nah," one viewer tweeted.
"Paul Mescal is such a gentleman. I know Zendaya didn't mean it in a bad way, but she should have just taken his arm. She's used to this while Paul is so new to everything. You can tell he's sooooo nervous," another echoed.
Zendaya swerved Paul's gentlemanly offer (Netflix / YouTube)"OMG Zendaya is so rude!!!!! Take Paul's arm when he's offering it to you," someone else fumed.
While a fourth quipped: "Okay so Zendaya is quite literally the only woman on the planet not dying to hold Paul Mescal's hand."
Another wrote: “Not Zendaya swerving Paul Mescal’s hand," while someone else raged: "Zendaya is a meanie. TAKE HIS ARM."
Unimpressed fans of Paul hit out at Zendaya, branding the actress as 'rude' (Variety via Getty Images)The 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California and were broadcast live on Netflix's YouTube channel.
On the night, Zendaya was nominated for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series for her role in Euphoria, but lost out to The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge.
As with the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes, and the upcoming Academy Awards, The Banshees Of Inisherin and Everything Everywhere All At Once, and All Quiet On The Western Front were among the most nominated feature films.