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Liza Minnelli Says Oscars Forced Wheelchair Use in 2022 as Memoir Names Gaga

An excerpt from her March 10 memoir alleges producers required a wheelchair that impaired her view of the teleprompter.

Overview

  • In newly published excerpts, Minnelli writes she was told to use a wheelchair or not appear, replacing a planned director's chair setup.
  • She alleges Lady Gaga would not go onstage with her unless she was in a wheelchair, and recounts Gaga later visiting her dressing room to check on her.
  • Minnelli says the lower seating height made the teleprompter hard to read, contributing to her onstage stumbling during the Best Picture presentation.
  • A source close to the 2022 Oscars told The Hollywood Reporter the wheelchair decision was made for Minnelli’s safety; the Academy has not issued a detailed response.
  • Longtime friend and co-author Michael Feinstein previously said the plan changed at the last minute; Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! is set for release on March 10.