Singer Michael Feinstein alleged that his good friend, Liza Minnelli, was "sabotaged" at the Academy Awards by being seen onstage in a wheelchair.
While the shocking Slap-gate at this year's Oscars ceremony became an endless talking point, some people chose to highlight the heartwarming moment shared onstage between presenters Liza Minnelli and Lady Gaga.
“You know how I love working with legends, and I’m honored to present the final award of the evening with a true show business legend,” Gaga said of Minnelli, who is the daughter of Judy Garland and director Vincente Minnelli.
Her appearance alongside Lady Gaga was the uplifting highlight of a night overshadowed by The Slap...but a last minute change "sabotaged" Liza Minnellihttps://www.tmz.me/bRku0g7— TMZ (@TMZ) 1650538818
Minnelli, who is 76-years-old, was brought out in a wheelchair and appeared out of sorts as she fumbled with her notes.
But, Gaga gently reassured the Cabaret actress by telling her, "I got you," and helped her announce the nominees for Best Picture–which ultimately went to Coda.
Liza Minnelli\u2019s Friend Michael Feinstein Claimed Oscars\u2019 Bosses Forced Her To Use A Wheelchair\u00a0!https://copyforfree.itstylishblog.com.ng/2022/04/20/liza-minnellis-friend-michael-feinstein-claimed-oscars-bosses-forced-her-to-use-a-wheelchair/\u00a0\u2026— Itstylishblog (@Itstylishblog) 1650458211
Seeing Liza and GaGa was the highlight of the night.— ellen comora (@ellen comora) 1650549302
It was a heartwarming reprieve following the controversial violent incident that night.
However, Michael Feinstein shed some light on drama involving Minnelli that allegedly unfolded behind the scenes just moments before her entrance.
Speaking with The Jess Cagle Show on Sirius XM, Feinstein–a cabaret singer/pianist and a proponent of the Great American Songbook–claimed Minnelli requested a director's chair to sit in while presenting at the Oscars due to back pain.
But at the last minute, the producers gave her a wheelchair.
Seems \u2066@TheAcademy\u2069 screwed up more than one thing this year. They owe a big apology to #LizaMinnelihttps://meaww.com/liza-minnelli-was-sabotaged-says-her-long-time-friend-michael-feinstein#l28f61xi65c1h0iicg5\u00a0\u2026— Lois Creamer (@Lois Creamer) 1650510456
According to Feinstein, "She was sabotaged."
"That’s a terrible word to use, but she only agreed to appear on the Oscars if she would be in the director’s chair because she’s been having back trouble.”
You can watch the interview with Feinstein, here.
Feinstein went on to say Minnelli didn't want fans to see her limping across the stage and have them worry about her.
But the resulting mayhem from earlier in the evening left producers scrambling. As Minnelli sat in the director's chair backstage five minutes before going on, a stage manager informed her she had to sit in a wheelchair.
"Liza pleaded," said Feinstein, who said he was with her at the time.
"She said, 'no, I will not be seen in a wheelchair in front of everybody. I will not do this. I refuse to do this'."
The legendary actress and singer was given an ultimatum, which was either to sit in the wheelchair or "nothing."
When Feinstein asked her what she wanted to do, Minnelli caved and reluctantly said, "I'll do it."
"And she was so shaken, that she was discombobulated. She was nervous and it made her look like she was out of it," recalled Feinstein.
"She was just so shaken up...Can you imagine being forced to be seen by millions of people where you don't want to be seen? That's what happened to her."
"She was very disappointed that that happened."
Some social media users were skeptical of Feinstein's claim and thought his use of the word "sabotage" was excessive.
Apparently Feinstein is trying to become relevant again— Meidas_NoCoWolf (@Meidas_NoCoWolf) 1650417879
If anyone has sabotaged Liza Minnelli, it\u2019s Michael Feinstein.— H (@H) 1650510484
I feel that is what he is saying. If Liza feels that way I\u2019m sure she will put out a statement. Otherwise Michael is gossiping.— Cate Honor (@Cate Honor) 1650510358
I don't think she was sabotaged. There was most likely a lot of confusion after the "incident" and producers fearing the worst wanted her in a wheelchair!! Turned out to be a beautiful moment with LG really helping her out!!— Patrick Quigley (@Patrick Quigley) 1650508885
Liza doesn't look like she is well and maybe they felt the wheelchair would be best. She could have said no. Feinstein is drumming up pr... when were the Oscars? A few weeks ago. Interesting that it is just coming out now.... hmm— Kirkie 2021 (@Kirkie 2021) 1650516450
From what I read, it doesn\u2019t sound like sabatoge to me. That indicates intent and dastardly conduct. Sounds like Will Smiths antics through everyone off and an unfortunate incident occurred . They didn\u2019t intend to make her look bad. Wasn\u2019t malicious.— Emily Ryan (@Emily Ryan) 1650509086
It doesn't sound like sabotage. It sounds like everyone was flustered after Will Smith's slap and they made a change to how she was to come out on the stage. Every performance has sudden changes/adjustments. That doesn't mean that someone deliberately tried to make her look bad.— Victoria Noe (@Victoria Noe) 1650508986
Others had their suspicions confirmed.
yup. i thought it was a bad move. turns out I was right. The producers are bastards.https://apple.news/AR_Q1vgmYQ_ObJch_XBRe_g\u00a0\u2026— \u2600\ufe0f KASH\u2600\ufe0f writes and changes baristas \u270a\ud83c\udffd \u264e \ud83e\udd1f\ud83c\udffd (@\u2600\ufe0f KASH\u2600\ufe0f writes and changes baristas \u270a\ud83c\udffd \u264e \ud83e\udd1f\ud83c\udffd) 1650494285
normally i\u2019d patch it bcos it\u2019s Michael Feinstein but i actually can see this happening to Liza :((https://www.justjared.com/2022/04/19/liza-minnellis-friend-michael-feinstein-says-she-was-sabotaged-at-the-oscars/\u00a0\u2026— \ud835\udcf1\ud835\udcf8\ud835\udcf5\ud835\udcf5\ud835\udcf2\ud835\udcee || \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc32\u2661 (@\ud835\udcf1\ud835\udcf8\ud835\udcf5\ud835\udcf5\ud835\udcf2\ud835\udcee || \ud835\udc26\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc27\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc25\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2e\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc32\u2661) 1650441982
I had the feeling that she was reluctant to be out there in the wheelchair. It shouldn\u2019t have happened.— giannizeno (@giannizeno) 1650511072
If true I understand her hesitancy. But, at the same time would she rather have fallen or collapsed on stage and have to be carried out by EMTs. She appears to be very frail. There comes a time where we have to put our pride aside, or don't appear on stage for millions to watch.— Tori Aromaz \ud83c\udf3b (@Tori Aromaz \ud83c\udf3b) 1650509508
I thought something was up! It seemed very off.— Gnome Chompskie (@Gnome Chompskie) 1650520281
I think it could be true\u2026saw her on a talk show cracking jokes, no wheel chair\u2026think she lost her train of thought on stage from being upset about being wheeled out in that chair.— JW (@JW) 1650543808
Regardless of what may have happened moments before Minnelli and Gaga approached the stage, their heartwarming exchange as presenters made the lasting impression we all needed.
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