Timothée Chalamet ruins his own impersonator contest after police shut down crowded event

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Timothée Chalamet made a surprise appearance at its own lookalike contest in Lower Manhattan on Sunday, an event that attracted hundreds of spectators, a police dispersal order and at least one arrest.

Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet posed briefly for photographs with his high-cheeked, curly-haired doubles, some of whom had dressed as the actor’s characters in the films “Wonka” and “Dune.”

But just as the would-be Timothées began strutting down a red carpet in Washington Square Park, police ordered the large group to disperse, slapping organizers with a $500 fine for an “unpermitted costume contest.”

At least one contestant was led away in handcuffs, although police did not immediately say why. An NYPD spokesman said charges were pending.

“It started as a silly joke and now it’s turned into chaos,” said Paige Nguyen, producer for YouTube personality Anthony Po, who organized the event.

Organizers had posted flyers for the contest, promising a $50 prize to the winner, in New York in recent days, sparking speculation on social media and thousands of RSVPs to an online invitation.

After leaving the park, the group soon found a backup spot at a nearby playground, where more than a dozen contestants competed for public approval from a makeshift stage.

“It’s all in the nose,” said Lauren Klas, a 27-year-old graphic designer who clung to a fence post to get a better view of the stage. “His entire bone structure, actually.”

After narrowing the group down to four, the remaining contestants were asked about their command of French, their plans to make the world a better place, and their romantic intentions with Kylie Jenner. Chalamet and Jenner are said to be a couple.

Finally, a winner was chosen: Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old Staten Island resident, who dressed in a purple Willy Wonka costume and tossed candy into the crowd from a briefcase.

As I stood next to a novelty-sized check written out to “Best Tim,” a group of fans lined up for a chance to take a photo (or exchange social media profiles) with the winner.

“I’m excited and also overwhelmed,” Mitchell said. “There were so many good imitations. “It was really a disaster.”