Cannes: Man Dives Under Ugly Betty Star's Skirt

Actress America Ferrera's appearance on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival is one she is unlikely to forget, after a man had to be dragged away after diving under her skirt.

Stunned onlookers watched as a man, identified in US media reports as Ukrainian prankster and journalist Vitalii Sediuk, rushed the red carpet during the Friday premiere of How To Train Your Dragon 2.

He dived under the former Ugly Betty star's voluminous dress and sat giggling before security officials attempted to drag him away.

And he didn't leave without a fight - he was pictured grabbing on to Ferrera's ankle as he was pulled away.

Most, although none more than Ferrera herself, looked shocked by the incident, which took place at a red carpet event known for its strict decorum.

Immediately afterwards she was pictured being comforted by co-star Cate Blanchett.

But she wasn't ruffled for long, and went on to pose for photographs with the film's other stars - Kit Harington, Jay Baruchel and Djimon Hounsou - before making her way into the premiere.

Mr Sediuk has built a reputation on pulling pranks on celebrities at high-profile events.

He was once slapped by Will Smith after trying to kiss him on the red carpet.

He also stormed the Grammys stage during Adele's acceptance speech in 2013, before getting dragged off by security.

Ferrera is the voice of the character Astrid in the DreamWorks animated sequel.

Astrid, alongside Jonah Hill's character Snotlout, fights for peace in the troubled world of vikings and dragons.