US reality TV star Kim Kardashian played the role of party pooper at the Vienna Opera Ball after she declined to waltz and mingle with thousands of merry-makers at the lavish event in Austria.
Kardashian, 33, was the paid celebrity guest of billionaire businessman Richard Lugner, 81, at the ball - one of the biggest social events on the Viennese social calendar.
But Lugner, who reportedly paid Kardashian $US500,000 to attend, was left disappointed with his date and has accused the celebrity of being annoying.
"Kim is getting on my nerves because she doesn't stick to the program," Lugner told DPA.
Wearing a dress with a partially transparent top and shiny pink skirt, Kardashian stood up Lugner for dinner and for a planned photo shoot, and she was not enthusiastic about waltzing, either.
"I'm not an expert at any kind of dancing. Anyone who knows me knows I get so nervous to dance," she told reporters.
For one night in every carnival season, the Vienna State Opera turns into a giant, flower-decorated ballroom where political and business leaders mingle with opera singers and musicians, as well as thousands of ordinary Austrians.
Kardashian only briefly turned on her charm when she was interviewed by public broadcaster ORF.
"It's the most gorgeous thing ever. And it's so much bigger and more grand than I imagined it to be," Kardashian said.
Minutes later Kardashian left the event early, ahead of the traditional midnight quadrille dance.
