New Oscars scandal - LIZA FORCED INTO A WHEELCHAIR

The legend’s special appearance was far from a Caberet after a last-minute upheaval

- Judy Kean

It was meant to be the highlight of this year’s Oscars ceremony. The appearance of legendary Liza Minnelli to present the top award of the night, alongside Lady Gaga, was the evening’s best-kept secret, and the 76-year-old was excited about her surprise role in the show.

Instead, viewers were left in shock after seeing her in a wheelchair looking frail and seeming confused as she struggled to read her cue cards. People immediately began asking if the stage veteran was suffering from serious health problems.

But a close friend who was with the Cabaret star at the Academy Awards says Liza’s appearance was “sabotaged” by Oscar organisers, who forced her to use a wheelchair at the last moment. A backstage confrontation with staff left her flustered and “discombobulated”, says Michael Feinstein, which is why she seemed “out of it”.

“She was sabotaged,” says Michael, a jazz singer and longtime friend of Liza’s. “She only agreed to appear at the Oscars if she could sit in a director’s chair, because she’s been having back trouble.

“She said, “I don’t want people to see me limping out there. I wanna look good. I don’t want people to worry about me.’”