Sarah Jessica Parker left in midst of event as stepfather died

Sarah Jessica Parker’s stepfather passed away unexpectedly after she had to make a last minute exit when attending an event.

The Sex and the City star was attending the New York City Ballet 2022 Fall Fashion Gala last night when she had to pull out at the last minute.

While the audience there at the time was informed that she was an unexpected family emergency it was later revealed that her stepfather Paul Giffin Forste passed away due to an "unexpected" illness.

The family said in a statement today: "Our family is sad to announce that after an unexpected and rapid illness, Paul Giffin Forste passed away yesterday at age 76.

"In his last moments he was surrounded with the love and gratitude of his adored wife Barbara of 54 years, and children, including Sarah Jessica Parker."

The statement went on: "Paul will be remembered with the spirit of loving kindness which was his faith, his special delight in his 13 grandchildren, and his sustained belief in making the world a more charitable, tolerant, and beautiful place for all."