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Stacey Dash explains surprise Oscars appearance

Written by . Published: February 29 2016

Actress Stacey Dash chose to be part of the punchline at the Oscars by sarcastically promoting Black History Month.


The outspoken Clueless star courted controversy in January (16) after voicing her opinions about the lack of diversity among the top 2016 Oscars nominations during a chat on news show Fox & Friends, on which the Republican Party supporter is a contributor.


"We have to make up our minds," she said. "Either we want to have segregation or integration. If we don't want segregation, then we need to get rid of channels like BET and the BET Awards and the (NAACP) Image Awards, where you're only awarded if you're black. If it were the other way around, we'd be up in arms. It's a double standard... Just like there shouldn't be a Black History Month. We're American, that's it."


And at Sunday's (28Feb16) Oscars, both viewers and audience members alike were left dumbfounded as Dash unexpectedly took the stage as part of a comedy skit.


Host Chris Rock introduced the "new director" of the Academy's "Minority Outreach Program", and after Dash walked out to a smattering of applause, she said, "I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month."


The moment prompted stars to take to social media to comment on Dash's appearance, with Demi Lovato tweeting, "Aaaannndd that was the only time Stacy Dash will ever be at the Oscars again," while Scandal creator Shonda Rhimes wrote, "Let me be petty: I had fashion goals 4 dress Dash wore and now the gown has to be dead to me. Yes, #askmemore but #doNOTwastefashiononfool."


Shortly after she walked off the stage, Dash posted an confusing explanation on her blog titled, "Who is Stacey Dash and why did she just walk across the #Oscar stage?"


She added, "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... 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."

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