Oscars Tribute to Rob Reiner Sparks Alleged Feud Over Corey Feldman Exclusion
With the Oscars ceremony just days away, preparations have been overshadowed by a reported feud concerning a planned tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. The event, scheduled for Sunday, March 15, has allegedly ignited division over which stars should participate in honouring Reiner, who tragically passed away in December.
Academy's Plans and the Alleged Snub
According to a source, the Academy intends to feature When Harry Met Sally stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, alongside Stand By Me actors Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton, in a collective celebration of Reiner's legacy. However, the insider reveals that one notable star from Reiner's 1986 film Stand By Me has been conspicuously omitted: Corey Feldman.
Feldman, 54, is said to be 'devastated' by the exclusion, viewing it as a significant 'slap in the face.' The source explained, 'As the Academy starts to unravel their ideas for the Oscars, one thing they have planned is a tribute to Rob Reiner. They are looking to have Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal on stage and also have Jerry O'Connell and Wil Wheaton from Stand By Me to be a part of the tribute. One person currently left off is Corey Feldman, and Corey is devastated that he hasn't been asked to be a part of the tribute.'
Heightened Disappointment and Efforts for Inclusion
The situation is particularly poignant as Feldman, O'Connell, and Wheaton are about to embark on a traveling tour together to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Stand By Me. The source noted that this makes Feldman's exclusion especially 'heartbreaking,' adding, 'He loved Rob and expected to be asked, especially since Jerry and Wil were asked. The night should be about Rob and honouring him and Corey wants nothing more than to honour Rob, and the fact that he currently isn't allowed is an absolute slap in the face. Even if he wasn't on the stage, he'd love to be there, to honour Rob.'
Why Feldman was not included remains a mystery, not only to him but also to his former co-stars O'Connell and Wheaton. The insider claims that O'Connell and Wheaton 'have reached out to the Academy for some answers' but 'have been met with silence.' They have reportedly attempted to advocate for Feldman, arguing that Stand By Me was an ensemble film and he should be part of the tribute, but organisers appear intent on excluding him.
Historical Context and Broader Allegations
The source further alleged that Feldman feels the Oscars previously 'snubbed' his late friend Corey Haim in the In Memoriam segment following Haim's death in 2010, stating, 'This is yet another black eye for the Academy in Corey's eye.' The Daily Mail has contacted Feldman, O'Connell, Wheaton, and the Academy for comment, but responses are pending.
Feldman recently made headlines in December when he claimed in an Apple TV documentary, Corey Feldman vs. The World, that he was molested by Haim during the filming of the 1987 thriller The Lost Boys. Feldman alleged that Haim, who died at age 38, sexually propositioned him when they were both 16, initiating activity that Feldman described as molestation in an effort to make it stop. However, Feldman's team later clarified that the term 'molested' referred to Haim's advances, not physical acts, and accused the documentary producers of sensationalism and obtaining footage dishonestly.
In response, an attorney for the documentary's production team asserted that all footage was obtained lawfully with Feldman's written consent, and Haim's mother Judy dismissed the claims as lies to maintain relevance. This backdrop adds complexity to the current Oscars controversy, highlighting Feldman's tumultuous history in the industry.
As the Oscars approach, the tribute to Rob Reiner remains a focal point of tension, with Feldman's exclusion stirring debate over recognition and respect in Hollywood's most prestigious event.
