Liza Minnelli says she was made to use a wheelchair during 2022 Oscars appearance with Lady Gaga

Liza May Minnelli accuses Academy of forcing wheelchair use during Oscars appearance with Lady Gaga

Liza Minnelli alleges in her new memoir that she was ordered to use a wheelchair during her appearance at the 2022 Academy Awards, despite expecting to sit in a director’s chair while presenting best picture alongside Lady Gaga.

In Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, Minnelli writes that she was “inexplicably ordered, not even asked, to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all,” claiming the decision was justified to her on the grounds of age and safety.

She says the last-minute change left her positioned lower than planned, making it difficult to read the teleprompter.

Minnelli appeared somewhat disoriented during the live broadcast, at one point stumbling over her words as Gaga reassured her onstage, telling her, “I got you.”

In the memoir, Minnelli suggests the situation was distressing and says she felt heartbroken over how it was handled.

The pair presented the award for best picture at the 94th Academy Awards, ultimately handing the prize to CODA. Minnelli also recounts that Gaga later checked on her backstage after learning she was upset.

Representatives for the Academy have not publicly responded to the claims. Minnelli’s memoir is set to be published on March 10.