Why Was Richard Gere Banned From the Oscars? Uncover the Controversy

The Academy Awards, Hollywood's premier night, is often marked by surprises and controversies. From Warren Beatty's ‘La La Land’ mix-up to the recent Will Smith/Chris Rock incident, the Oscars have seen their fair share of shocking moments. Among these, a lesser-known controversy involves Richard Gere, the star of ‘Pretty Woman’, who was banned from the Oscars for ten years.

Richard Gere, known for roles in ‘Chicago’, ‘Primal Fear’, and ‘Pretty Woman’, often played charming, debonair characters. Despite his successful career, Gere's journey wasn't without its share of controversies. One early incident involved on-set clashes with his ‘An Officer’ and a ‘Gentleman’ co-stars Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr. This altercation was a sign of more controversies to come.

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In 2007, Gere faced another scandal when he kissed actress Shilpa Shetty at an HIV Awareness event in India, violating the country's public obscenity law. This incident led to public backlash and arrest warrants, though the charges were eventually dropped.

Gere's biggest controversy at the Oscars occurred in 1993. As a presenter, instead of following the scripted introduction for Best Art Direction, Gere diverted to a political speech condemning China's human rights abuses in Tibet. This unexpected move led to his temporary ban from the Academy Awards.

Despite public claims by the Academy that they "don’t ban presenters," Gere maintains he was not welcomed back for some time. The fallout affected his Hollywood career, with major studios shunning him due to his outspoken political stance, particularly against China. Nevertheless, Gere embraced independent films, which he found more rewarding.

In 2003, Gere returned to the Oscars with the success of ‘Chicago’, though he wasn't nominated. Reflecting on his return, he quipped, "Apparently, I've been rehabilitated." Despite the controversy, Gere's detour at the Oscars remains one of the many unexpected events in the ceremony's history.

–Farheen Ali