Michael Glantz, a senior talent agent with Creative Artists Agency, became an unlikely social media figure after footage showed him calmly eating his burrata salad while gunfire rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and Secret Service agents rushed into the ballroom of the Washington Hilton in Washington. The event was later cancelled amid the security scare.
How ‘salad man’ became an internet sensation
Video of the moment spread quickly online, and by Monday, the hashtag #saladman was trending. Glantz told The New York Times that he was “a New Yorker” and said he was not frightened by what was unfolding around him, even as others at the dinner ducked for cover.
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Explaining why he did not get on the floor, Glantz said he had a bad back and did not want to risk getting down in the ballroom. He also said he was concerned about the floor being dirty and did not want to ruin his tuxedo. In a later interview with TMZ, he said the attention around the clip was "silly" but added that he did not mind being laughed at.
Other guests’ reactions also draw attention
Glantz was not the only guest whose actions drew attention after the gunfire scare. Another attendee was seen taking unopened bottles of champagne and wine from a table, while a second woman took a selfie while holding a bottle. The episode has kept the spotlight on the disorder that followed the shooting scare at one of Washington’s highest-profile annual gatherings.
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What is the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event organised by the White House Correspondents' Association, which represents journalists covering the US presidency. Held in Washington, D.C., the dinner traditionally brings together reporters, political leaders, celebrities, and invited guests.
Often described as one of Washington’s most high-profile social and media gatherings, the event is used to celebrate press freedom, honour journalistic work, and raise funds for scholarships. In many years, the sitting US president also attends and delivers remarks, often mixing policy references with humour.
