Jeff Goldblum experienced an unexpected encounter upon his arrival in Sydney over the weekend. The 73-year-old Jurassic Park star is currently in Australia for a five-city tour with his band, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
Unwanted Embrace at Sydney Airport
Goldblum landed in Sydney on Sunday ahead of his performance at the Opera House on Tuesday night. He was quickly approached by an overzealous fan named Nedal Lakmas, who appeared delighted to meet the Independence Day actor. Lakmas proceeded to grab Goldblum around the waist as they posed for photos.
As Lakmas reached in for a hug, Goldblum swiftly pulled away. Individuals accompanying the celebrity scout could be heard off-camera instructing Lakmas not to touch the Hollywood star. "Don't touch him, Nedal. You can't touch him," they were heard saying.
Goldblum handled the situation with grace, telling Lakmas, "I'll be your protector," before posing for a photograph. Lakmas apologised for his forward greeting and kept his hands firmly by his sides.
Goldblum cut a cool figure stepping off his flight, wearing a black leather jacket with matching chinos.
Fan's History of Celebrity Interactions
This is not the first time Lakmas has been at the centre of awkward interactions with celebrities. In 2014, he made headlines after allegedly groping Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland during her visit to Sydney. The incident occurred at a party held in honour of the Modern Family cast at the Sebel Pier One.
After Lakmas allegedly touched the 24-year-old actress, she reportedly fled the scene in tears. Police charged Lakmas at the scene and escorted him away in a police van. He appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in May 2014, where Magistrate Geoff Bradd dealt with the case under Section 32 of the Mental Health (Forensic Provisions) Act. The charge was dismissed, and no criminal conviction was recorded. As part of the ruling, Lakmas was ordered to comply with a six-month treatment plan for his mental health condition.
Goldblum's Recent Red Carpet Confusion
The incident comes after Goldblum caused a stir online when he was randomly asked about the gay sex drama Heated Rivalry on the red carpet of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. In an awkward interview with E!'s Keltie Knight, Goldblum was asked if he had ever seen the HBO Max show or "been to the cottage," a question that clearly confused the actor, who has no involvement in the show.
"I want to say yes very badly, I can't in all good conscience. I chopped down the cherry tree, I've never told a lie. No, no, Heated Rivalry? I'm an idiot, you know," he said. Knight explained, "It's a love story about two hockey players, two men, they fall in love." Goldblum responded, "Wait a minute, stop right there. That's the end of it. Of course, I haven't seen it, I want to see it, I've heard great, great things."
After the interview aired, netizens took to social media to express confusion over the out-of-the-blue question. One person tweeted, "OMG ASKING JEFF GOLDBLUM ABOUT HEATED RIVALRY BEFORE ASKING ABOUT WICKED." Another posted, "They're asking Jeff Goldblum if he's seen Heated Rivalry/been to the cottage (sobbing emojis)."
