Those who actually watched the 88th annual Academy Awards probably saw Stacey Dash waltz onto their screen, say some things, giggle and then walk off the stage in a confusingly awkward moment that likely left you wondering “Did that really just happen?”
Well, we’re here to tell you yes, that really did happen.
In one of the most confusing and awkward moments in award show history, 2016 Oscars host Chris Rock introduced Stacey Dash as the “director of our new minority outreach program” before the actress strutted on stage and wished everyone a “Happy Black History Month.”
Stacey Dash is known for her controversial opinions on race-related issues, like her stance on Black Lives Matter (she’s firmly on the “All Lives Matter” side, along with Kevin Gates) and her opinion that things for African Americans such as Black History Month and BET shouldn’t exist.
This is how Chris Rock and Stacey Dash’s “skit” played out (via Jezebel):
“It’s hard to get a job, and that’s the truth out there for black actors,” Rock began. “But let me tell you some good news: the Academy has taken steps to fix this problem, and that is why it is my honor to introduce the director of our minority outreach program. Please welcome Miss Stacey Dash!”
The silence was deafening.
She came onstage with a weird, villainous giggle, and said: “I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month!” Then she giggled again, said “Thank you,” and walked offstage.
AWK-WARD!
Chrissy Teigen’s reaction face was the absolute best:
I was making the face from the Stacey Dash moment ahhhhhhh not Sarah!
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 29, 2016
no I am not good at poker
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 29, 2016
The Weeknd’s reaction was pretty priceless too:
Shortly after exiting the stage, Stacey Dash published a lengthy blog post on Patheos.com titled “Who is Stacey Dash and why did she just walk across the #Oscar stage?” explaining her random as hell Oscars appearance:
You might be watching the Oscars and wondering why someone named Stacey Dash just walked across the stage. (Why was that funny anyway?)
Well, I’m Stacey – with an “e” – and it’s nice to meet you. I was born in the South Bronx, became an actress in Hollywood where I starred in the 1995 movie Clueless.
Since then, you won’t believe what happened. (Actually you can read the full story in my upcoming book There Goes My Social Life: From Clueless to Conservative.) Even though I voted for Obama during 2008 – even had a bumper sticker! – I didn’t make the same mistake twice. In 2012, I voted for Mitt Romney – and everyone freaked the hell out about it.
Why? Well, black people should support black candidates, I was told. But I’m not one to be told what to do. No matter my skin color, I was going to vote for the best candidate. Since I was blamed, mocked, and ridiculed in the press over supporting a Republican, I’ve spoken out about a LOT of stuff that black people try to stuff down my throat.
For example, I spoke out against Black History Month. ( Why should there be such a thing? Haven’t we had more than just one month’s worth of accomplishments? Here my thoughts HERE.) Plus, I spoke out against the #OscarsSoWhite controversy HERE. My take? We need to stop complaining about white people oppressing us, we shouldn’t boycott the Oscars, and we need to support Chris Rock the host.
Which brings me to the joke. When they added ME to increase the diversity, I’m sure many black people rolled their eyes. I’m not “black enough,” they say. But guess what? I’ve heard that all my life. I would rather be a free thinking, black than a cookie cutter black who thinks – and votes – just like all my friends.
Yes, I’m the actress from the South Bronx who has always dreamed of winning an Oscar. But God has a great sense of humor and this is my first encounter with one of my dreams of destiny. Bringing diversity to Hollywood… not merely because of color, but politics as well. (After all, different colors of skin is an easy kind of diversity. Ideological diversity is much harder, because it forces everyone to come face to face with actual beliefs. Hollywood needs BOTH.)
Anyway, this is a first. A beginning.
So that’s who I am. Nice to meet you.
