Stars line up for post-Weinstein Cannes AIDS gala

A galaxy of stars, including Kristen Stewart, Adrien Brody, Benicio Del Toro and Sting are expected at an AIDS benefit gala near Cannes Thursday, one of the most glamorous parties in the showbiz calendar.

Every year celebrities and benefactors pay up to $350,000 (296,000 euros) for a table at the amfAR Foundation charity dinner at the exclusive Eden Roc hotel at Cap d’Antibes.

A host of musicians, supermodels and socialites are also expected at the glittering event including Shaggy, Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Paris Hilton, Caroline Vreeland and Martha Hunt.

Founded by late Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR is the social highlight of the Cannes film festival, raising over $200 million to date for AIDS research.

But its long association with disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has cast a cloud over the glitzy event.

Some of the actresses who came forward with allegations of sexual assault and rape against Weinstein, including Italian actress Asia Argento, said he attacked them in his suite at the Eden Roc.

Sting will perform at Thursday’s gala, at which a 1964 Bentley S series convertible will be auctioned off, along with a five-night stay on a private island in the Maldives and a safari with an explorer in South Africa.