Whether we like it or not, part of us can’t help but get a little excited when we see a recognisable face in public, but some fans take their excitement to the next level and make the encounter profoundly awkward.
With that in mind, here are 17 fans who made their celebrity encounter toe-curlingly embarrassing.
1. Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian is one of the most followed celebrities on social media, and her everyday life is documented via the highly successful reality TV series, Keeping up with the Kardashians.
But with such fame comes ever greater media duties, which often means having to feign a smile in almost every selfie request. But don’t worry Kim, you’ll still have plenty of time to take selfies of your butt when you get home.
2. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber needs little introduction- especially when around his loyal fans. In fact, Justin has been so overwhelmed by having to continually agree to selfies and hugs from fans that he no longer does so due to not wanting to let anyone down due to their ‘high expectations.’
Yet Justin could spit on his own fans, get arrested, say derogatory things about black people and still be the world’s greatest in the eyes of his fans, just as the photo above shows.
3. Lady Gaga
Like many modern-day celebrities, Lady Gaga has a name for her devout fans; ‘Little Monsters.’ But quite whether she was in the mood to please her growly monsters in this photo is up for debate.
It’s a hard life being loved by everyone, Gaga!
4. Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage is a showman if ever there was one, but after years of lavish spending, Cage doesn’t have the luxury of always flying private or first class anymore. As such, the Oscar-winner has to put up with regular people in coach.
And regular people like selfies, even when you’re drunk and off your head.
5. Woody Allen
Woody Allen is no stranger to the world of celebrity, but the seasoned writer and director doesn’t always take kindly to selfie requests.
In fact, if the one above is anything to go by, he looks like he’s questioning his existence and wishing he’d chosen a different career path.
6. Robin Thicke
It isn’t always the fans that make things awkward- especially if the celebrity is a middle-aged man and the fan is a blonde bombshell.
Yes, the king of sleaze and the mastermind behind the controversial music video ‘Blurred Lines’ was caught out by a mirror and in 2014, Thicke’s wife filed divorce, but we can’t for the life of us work out why.
7. Rihanna
As one of the biggest recording artists in the world, Ri-Ri isn’t short of admirers, but sometimes such a reality can make everyday life highly annoying…
Like when you’re trying to have a refreshing beverage and an invasive football fan waves a camera in your face.
8. Kanye West
The pugnacious rapper doesn’t take kindly to those who challenge him but he doesn’t seem all to enamoured with those who want to be as close to him as possible either.
We’re guessing that’s going to be the face that greets Taylor Swift next time the two meet in public. Awkward….
9. Peter Facinelli
The role of the modern-day celebrity encompasses many things, but consoling someone whose cat just died while waiting for a photo with you is probably a scenario they aren’t prepared for.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t improvise!
10. Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso Ribeiro is best known for his role as ‘Carlton’ on the beloved Will Smith TV series ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ but it was his signature dance move that arguably made Alfonso the show’s star.
But it’s hard to tell whether he still enjoys the side-effects of a dance that many people believe they have mastered too. But judging by this photo, Alfonso isn’t sure they have.
11. Khloe Kardashian
For some reason, the Kardashians are famous, and people love them, just like this man clamouring to get a picture with her.
Yet such histrionics seem wasted on Khloe, who seemingly wants nothing more than to get back to what she does best: talking on camera about how hard her life is.
12. Avril Lavigne
She may be a kick-ass skater girl and pop-rock sensation but the songstress doesn’t always know how to play it cool.
Rather, judging by this photo, she can also make simple moments like posing for a photograph with her fans extremely uncomfortable. Just look at the expression on the fan’s face!
13. Paris Hilton
Believe it or not, someone who is related to the owner of the Hilton hotel franchise is an A-list celebrity even if her talents have yet to be discovered.
But when you have fans like him at your disposal, who cares if you haven’t found that elusive talent?
14. Bill Clinton
He’s been caught in the act before so you’d think Bill would have learned his lesson by now.
Evidently, he has a long way to go.
15. Gerard Butler
Celebrities have to be careful wherever they go, but after a while, they must just think; ‘F@*k it, I’m going to get wasted.’
And that’s exactly what Gerard did…
16. Leonardo Di Caprio
We can’t decide whether this photo of an awe-struck fan clutching onto Leo’s waist is weird, awkward, cute or just plain idiocy.
Judging by both their expressions, we think this might just be an awkward moment that was salvaged- thanks to the good grace of Leo- into a rather cute one.
17. Samuel L. Jackson and Victoria Beckham
When Victoria Beckham and Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson were paired next to each other when watching tennis from Wimbledon’s Royal Box, you’d think two celebrities who have everything would have mutual interests. But that wasn’t the case at all….
Instead, it became a pained experience for both the viewer and the two involved. Lesson learned: Celebrities hate other celebrities too.