The story behind the Cannes couple caught having sex on the red carpet

This photo taken by David Griner allegedly shows a couple enjoying Cannes' red carpet. Photo/Twitter

A digital editor relaxing after a busy day at the Cannes Lions ceremony claims to have photographed a couple having secret sex on the festival's red carpet.

David Griner wrote about the experience for AdWeek, saying he took the photo from a balcony overlooking the main events centre for the Cannes Lions, tweeted it, then thought nothing more of it.

Mad respect for this couple having blatant sex on the #CannesLions red carpet just now. pic.twitter.com/JVgVYIsC8z

— David Griner @ #Brandweek (@griner) June 23, 2015

"I snapped a photo with my iPhone just for a laugh. I didn't even think you'd really be able to see them at all with the giant glowing sign overhead and general darkness," he wrote.

"After 20 minutes or so (not bad, all things considered), they finished up, gathered their scattered shoes and belongings, and walked away arm in arm. They got a smattering of applause."

But when Griner woke up the next day, his tweet had exploded, with hundreds of responses, retweets and coverage from gossip sites and major news corporations.

Griner said the incident took place within metres of several guards who "either couldn't see the top of the steps or didn't care".

"I think the whole thing was oddly sweet and admirably adventurous. We all joke about embracing the YOLO mindset, but this one really sets the bar, and a lot of people seem to agree that the couple deserve credit for seizing one hell of a memorable moment," he said.

The Cannes Lions event is an awards show held each year for creative professionals. It runs for two days.

- nzherald.co.nz