Liza Minnelli Details Oscars Disagreement with Lady Gaga Over Wheelchair Use

The 2022 Academy Awards ceremony wasn’t without its behind-the-scenes drama, extending beyond the widely publicized incident involving Will Smith. Liza Minnelli, the celebrated actress and singer, has revealed in her upcoming memoir, “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This,” that she was unhappy with being asked to use a wheelchair during the Best Picture presentation with Lady Gaga.

Minnelli’s Account of the Incident

Minnelli, 79, expected to be seated in a director’s chair when she took the stage with Lady Gaga to present the award to “CODA” on March 27, 2022. However, she claims she was “inexplicably ordered – not even asked – to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all,” as reported by People magazine.

According to Minnelli, she was told the request was for safety reasons, fearing she might slip from the director’s chair. She dismissed this explanation as “bull—-.” Minnelli further alleges that Lady Gaga insisted on presenting with her only if she was in a wheelchair, leaving Minnelli feeling “heartbroken.”

Gaga’s Response and the Presentation

At the time of the presentation, Lady Gaga expressed her honor at being on stage with Minnelli, calling her a “true showbusiness legend.” People reported that Gaga stood while Minnelli was seated in the wheelchair.

Minnelli’s Memoir and Previous Health Challenges

The revelation comes from excerpts of Minnelli’s memoir, published on February 20, 2026, by USA Today. Minnelli has faced health challenges in recent years, including a hip injury that required her to use a wheelchair during Lady Gaga’s 2013 Born This Way Ball Tour, as noted in People.

Further Reaction

BuzzFeed also covered the story on February 20, 2026, highlighting the excerpt published in People magazine. Representatives for Lady Gaga and the Academy have been contacted for comment, according to USA Today.