Elton John Faces Criticism After Sharp Outburst at Paparazzi in Paris — Video

In the clip — which you can find in this article — the legendary singer is seen exiting a car with help from his husband when he suddenly lashes out at waiting paparazzi. His sharp words and the reaction they sparked have left the internet divided.

A video of Sir Elton John has gone viral after the singer was filmed having a sharp exchange with paparazzi following the Jacquemus fashion show in Paris, France.

Sir Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Captured while returning home from the event, the footage shows the 78-year-old exiting a vehicle with the help of his husband, David Furnish, when photographers begin calling out to him.

John appears visibly agitated, turning toward the cameras and snapping, "[expletive off]," before adding, "I'm blind." Furnish is also heard addressing the group, referencing the brightness of their camera flashes.

Sir Elton John steps out of a car with assistance following the Jacquemus fashion show in Paris. This moment was captured in a post dated January 25, 2026. | Source: Instagram/taoualit__amar

One photographer quickly offers an apology, saying, "We respect you," and wishes the music legend to stay safe. However, the clip has sparked a wave of mixed reactions online.

Some defended John's outburst, pointing to his health and ongoing struggles. "Just leave people alone. Just because you can film with your phone doesn't mean you should post it.. [sic] he's nearly blind and is clearly seeking to be left alone," shared one person.

Wearing bright blue glasses and a yellow scarf, Sir Elton John appears tense as he makes his way past cameras. | Source: Instagram/taoualit__amar

"His fans love his music and this sort of behaviour could result in Elton becoming a recluse. Go and volunteer where you can help people rather than hinder," they added.

Another observed, "People are commenting that he's blind or has loss of vision [sic] and it also seemed like his feet hurt or his legs. He's probably in pain." A third added, "That's the worse part of getting old 😢😢😢😢."

Escorted into his building, Sir Elton John is seen from behind as he heads indoors after the tense moment outside. | Source: Instagram/taoualit__amar

However, others were less sympathetic. "Doesn't need to be rude 😢 disappointed," said one netizen. Another typed, "Yes, he is so arrogant. Good musician but never been nice to fans."

A third person commented, "Never has appreciated any fans at all. Such a rude person. Jokes on him though he's closer to the ground then [sic] anyone in this video😂."

As the clip continues to circulate, so does the debate — drawing a clear divide between empathy and criticism. While some have urged compassion, citing John's age and reported health issues, others have questioned his attitude, especially towards fans and photographers.

As we previously reported, John opened up about his health in a candid new interview with Variety, revealing that the past 15 months have tested him more than any recent period in his life.

Sir Elton John with Barbara Walters on "10 Most Fascinating People" in 1997. | Source: Getty Images

Speaking openly about his battle with severe vision loss, the legendary singer described the ordeal as "devastating." John, 78, disclosed that a serious eye infection he contracted in July 2024 while on holiday in France left him blind in his right eye and with limited vision in his left.

The effects have been life-altering. "Because I lost my right eye and my left eye's not so good, the last 15 months have been challenging for me because I haven't been able to see anything, watch anything, read anything," he said.

Sir Elton John from a post dated November 27, 2025. | Source: Instagram/eltonjohn

The infection, which appeared to have permanent consequences, has forced John to adapt to a dramatically altered way of living. He explained that he hasn't been able to do many of the things that once filled his days with joy and inspiration. Still, the enduring icon remains hopeful, stating:

"I've had the most incredible life, and there is hope. I've just gotta be patient that someday science will help me with this one. Once they help me with this one, I'll be fine. It's exactly like the AIDS situation. You mustn't give up hope, you must be stoic, you must be strong [...]."

John first went public about his eyesight issues in September 2024, sharing a lengthy Instagram post in which he explained how he had spent several months recuperating at home.

He later confirmed the extent of the damage in December during an interview and again at the opening night of "The Devil Wears Prada" musical in the West End — for which he wrote the music.

The iconic musician lives with his husband and their two sons, Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12. Furnish, who has been by John's side throughout the ordeal, provided further insight into the singer's current condition.

Sir Elton John onstage during the 2024 A Year in TIME dinner on December 11 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

"We've been doing some treatments and there's been some improvements in his left eye, which is really good," he said. "We're continuing to explore and getting a lot of outreach from a lot of doctors who want to help and support."

The issue in John's right eye involves retinal damage — an area where natural healing isn't possible and where medical research is still evolving.

Sir Elton John and David Furnish at the Variety TIFF Studio during the Toronto International Film Festival 2024 on September 7 in Canada. | Source: Getty Images

Still, Furnish expressed optimism about medical advances in the field. "Things are changing really quickly. What AI is doing for medicine and science alone is astonishing. And there's all kinds of interesting new theories and breakthroughs [...]," he stated.

Online, fans have been rallying around John with a mix of sympathy and emotion. One wrote, "Wow. That's terribly sad." Another shared, "so sad didn't know this . poor elton [sic]." Others turned to humour, with a third netizen typing, "didn't see that one coming 😆 [sic]."

Sir Elton John in Paris, France, in 1997. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the challenges, John remains active in music and has continued to perform. "On the other hand, I've still been able to play. I'm still singing," he said, adding:

"I mean, you just have to grin and bear it. It does get me down sometimes. But on the whole, I've got a wonderful family; I have two great kids; I have him [Furnish]."

Sir Elton John and David Furnish at the press conference during the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 33rd Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 2, 2025, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

"I'm a true survivor, and I'm also a little kid underneath. I've survived a lot of things in my life. I'm trying to survive things at the moment. And you just have to be an optimist, and you have to go back to being a kid and think of yourself as having that kind of energy," the singer declared.

Sir Elton John onstage during the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 8 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Though his eyesight is severely impaired, John still meets people with poise and confidence. In conversation, he appears to look one directly in the eye, giving no obvious hint of the difficulty.

However, he acknowledged that attending live performances has become challenging, explaining that although he recently took in sets from Chappell Roan at Coachella and Brandi at the Albert Hall — both of which he said were extraordinary — he can no longer clearly make out what's happening onstage.

Sir Elton John during the opening night curtain call for the Elton John musical "Tammy Faye" on Broadway on November 14, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Even so, there are small victories. Furnish noted that they have found ways to help John stay engaged with the world around him, including a large-format computer screen that allows him to read a bit using his left eye.

These adaptations, combined with cutting-edge treatments and the unwavering support of his family, have given John reasons to stay optimistic.

Still standing, even when the spotlight fades and the music stops, Elton John continues to be a symbol of endurance. As he has throughout his career, he meets adversity with honesty, courage, and grace — and his fans are right there with him.