Academy Awards organizers have formally apologized to Native American activists who were heckled and threatened at awards ceremonies nearly half a century ago.
As Rolling Stone magazine described it as his 1973 "now historic night," Sashen Littlefeather Marlon Brandoappeared on stage at the ceremony on behalf of and refused. His Best Actor Gong was The Godfather. At his request, she instead used the time "to draw attention to Native American stereotypes in film and television," the magazine said.
- the beginning of a trend that continues to this day,'' said the BBC. However, Littlefeather, who was 26 at the time, was booed by Oscar audiences, "shunned by the entertainment industry," and later threatened with arrest and physical assault.
In an interview with The Guardianlast year, she said that Hollywood legend John Wayne "tried to force me off the stage, so I didn't do it." She had to be detained by six guards to prevent because he does.” Behind the scenes, "there were people giving her typical Native American roars at her and pretending to chop her up with her tomahawk," the paper reports.
As a further insult, "Littlefeather's status as a Native American was also questioned. For years vicious rumors circulated about her identity." } CBS News says.
However, decades later, the Academy finally issued a statement of apology . September, Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LA. "The abuse you suffered" is "unjust and unjust" and "the emotional toll you have been through and the cost to your own career in our industry is irreparable.
Littlefeather told The Hollywood Reporter .
She added:
