Oscar moment sparks controversy as people reflect on celebrities’ knowledge before weinstein’s expose

A chilling blast from the past has emerged as a 2002 Oscar clip featuring Nathan Lane joking about Harvey Weinstein resurfaces, leaving viewers shocked and prompting a reflection on the industry’s awareness before Weinstein’s public expose.

The moment unfolded during the 74th Oscars ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Lane, presenting the award for Best Animated Feature Film, made a quip that now raises eyebrows in the wake of Weinstein’s scandal.

“Gosh, up until now I thought Monsters Incorporated was a documentary on the Weinsteins,” Lane said, garnering muffled and uneasy laughter from the audience. Undeterred, he added, “Oh, we kid the rich and powerful because we love them.”

This unearthed joke gains significance when considering Weinstein’s notorious behavior, as more details about his alleged misconduct have come to light. In October 2000, Weinstein reportedly confronted Lane at a gala for Hillary Clinton, throwing him against a wall after the comedian made a joke about Rudy Giuliani’s hair.

Lane later revealed in 2017 that he had told Weinstein, “You can’t hurt me, I don’t have a film career.” This background adds a sinister undertone to Lane’s Oscar jest, suggesting a deeper understanding within Hollywood about Weinstein’s behavior.

Social media users have been sharing the clip, expressing various reactions. One user hailed Lane as a “real one” for calling out the Weinsteins at a time when they wielded immense power. Another commented on the dark humor of Lane’s crack about “Monsters Inc” being a documentary.

However, a prevailing sentiment emerges as viewers find the resurfaced clip “scary,” emphasizing the unsettling reality that jokes made on stage may have concealed deeper truths within the industry. The #MeToo movement, sparked by revelations about Weinstein’s predatory behavior, has since prompted a reckoning within Hollywood, challenging the culture of silence and complicity.

Weinstein, once a powerful film mogul, faced charges and was sentenced to 23 years in prison in March 2020 for rape and other offenses. The resurfacing of this Oscar moment adds another layer to the complex narrative surrounding Weinstein and raises questions about how much Hollywood knew or chose to overlook.