Tom Hanks' wife Rita Wilson shares what actually happened during his 'furious' red carpet altercation

Rita Wilson has spoken out after photos appeared to show Tom Hanks having a 'furious' altercation with a staffer at Cannes Film Festival.

The actors were there for the premiere of Wes Anderson's new movie Asteroid City, which sees Hanks join an all-star cast, including Matt Dillon, Maya Hawke and Ed Norton.

However, while the paparazzi lined the red carpet to get a glimpse of the actors, some spotted the Toy Story actor seemingly having a bit of a row with a member of staff.

Photos shared widely online show Hanks and wife Wilson speaking to someone, and their faces appear to tell a pretty angry picture.

Some suggested the staffer was being given a bit of a dressing down by the Hollywood legend, with outlets branding it an 'outburst'.

However, Wilson has now come out and revealed what really happened in that moment.

NTONIN THUILLIER/AFP

Taking to Instagram, the 66-year-old explained that it had clearly been taken way out of context.

Sharing one of the stories written about the photo, she said: "This is called I can't hear you. People are screaming. What did you say? Where are we supposed to go? But that doesn't sell stories!"

The actor added: "We had a great time! Go and see Asteroid City!"

It wasn't that long ago, though, since the world did see the angry side of Hanks.

Last year, he and Wilson were being followed through the streets by paparazzi when a fan got a little too close and tripped his wife.

As she tried to regain her composure, she put her hands in the air and said ‘stop it!’ However, Hanks was much more direct in his approach to protect his wife, telling the fans to: “Back the f**k off... knocking over my wife."

“Come on,” said one upset fan in response to the mobbing.

ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP

“Sorry about that, Tom!” shouted another as the visibly angry actor was escorted into his car.

The couple had been enjoying a meal after watching a screening of the Elvis biopic, in which Hanks plays the iconic musician’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

“You know you f****d up if you get cussed at by Tom Hanks,” wrote one fan of the incident.

A second speculated: “Imagine what an a**hole you'd feel like, being excited to see Tom Hanks and then you p**s him off.”

“Imagine having to deal with that s**t, suppose having the millions in the banks makes it easier,” wrote a third.

"Holy s**t Tom Hanks angry and swearing. that's gotta be a first ," another wrote.