Stars raise millions at Cannes edition of AIDS charity gala
ANTIBES, France — After a shaky start and a wave of negative press, the AIDS relief charity amfAR attempted Thursday to focus the spotlight on its work instead of the stain left by one of its biggest benefactors Harvey Weinstein.
Sharon Stone stepped down as co-chair of this year’s gala and Pharrell Williams dropped out of performing at the event after Weinstein was accused of sexual misconduct last year by dozens of women. The disgraced movie mogul regularly attended the gala, often bringing in high profile guests and encouraging the bidding on the annual auction.
Attendees of the 25th Cannes black tie gala at the famous Hotel Du Cap in Antibes attempted to look past Weinstein and keep the focus on amfAR’s global work.
“This organization is far bigger than any scandal so I don’t think anybody is worried about that tonight,” singer Jason Derulo said. “Everyone is here to continue to have an impact on the world. We just want to get rid of this disease that we’ve been dealing with for so long.”