Richard Gere Breaks Silence on His 20-Year Oscars Ban: ‘I Stay True to Myself’

Richard Gere recently opened up about his long absence from the Oscars, reflecting on a ban he received after a bold statement during the 1993 ceremony. While introducing an award, Gere criticized China’s treatment of Tibet and called out Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese leader at the time. This bold move led to a 20-year ban from the Academy Awards.

In a recent interview with Variety, Gere shared that he didn’t take the ban personally. He believes his actions were meant to raise awareness, not to create enemies. He expressed, “I mean to harm anger. I mean to harm exclusion. I mean to harm human rights abuses.” This perspective aligns with the teachings of the Dalai Lama, whom Gere considers a friend and mentor.

Interestingly, in the past two decades, the conversation around human rights, especially in Tibet, has gained traction globally. According to a recent survey from Amnesty International, around 60% of people across various countries now prioritize human rights abuses when considering international relations. This shift indicates a growing awareness and concern that aligns with Gere’s advocacy.

Gere’s comments also sparked debate during the awards show. While he received some applause, the Academy criticized the presenters for crossing into political territory. Bob Rehme, then-president of the Academy, highlighted that the Oscars were meant to celebrate filmmaking, not political statements.

Despite being absent from the Oscars for years, Gere returned in 2013 when Chicago, a film he starred in, won multiple awards. Reflecting on his return, he humorously remarked, “Apparently, I’ve been rehabilitated,” suggesting that time can heal even the sharpest controversies.

Gere’s story serves as a reminder of the intersection between art and activism. As celebrity voices grow stronger in social issues, the boundaries of political discourse in entertainment continue to evolve. For more on the history of celebrity activism, you can check out the New York Times article on the subject here.

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