John Cena Makes Headlines at the Academy Awards
Renowned professional wrestler and actor John Cena made a memorable appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday night, generating quite a stir among the audience. Clad in nothing but a strategically placed placard that bore the words “Costume Design,” Cena’s unconventional attire caught everyone’s attention.
A Nod to Past Infamy
This daring move by Cena was a subtle nod to a notable incident that occurred during the 1974 Oscars, where photographer and activist Robert Opel streaked across the stage in the nude, causing a mix of shock and amusement. The incident, which occurred while David Niven was introducing Elizabeth Taylor, was a moment that etched itself in the annals of Oscar history, as reported by Deadline.
Despite his reputation for sporting iconic jean shorts, or “jorts” as they are fondly known, Cena himself appeared uncomfortable with the outrageous stunt. In a comical exchange with host Kimmel, Cena expressed his reluctance by stating, “Dude, I don’t wrestle naked, I wrestle in jorts,” to which Kimmel wittily retorted, “Jorts are worse than naked.”
Provocative Banter and Announcement
As Cena took to the stage with his modesty barely protected by the placard, he delivered a dramatic monologue on the importance of costume design, only to playfully struggle with opening the envelope containing the winner’s name. Seizing the moment, Kimmel stepped in to announce the nominees and declared “Poor Things” as the triumphant recipient of the Best Costume Design award.
Reactions and Backlash
However, Cena’s bold and unconventional act did not go unnoticed, sparking a wave of criticism and disapproval on social media platforms. Numerous viewers took to the internet to express their discomfort and disdain for the stunt, with one individual bluntly labeling it as a “Humiliation ritual.”
One tweet underscored the fragility of masculinity, remarking, “All that muscle and he’s still so easily manipulated by wokeness. Strong physicality matters little when guided by such weakness.” This sentiment was echoed by another user who reflected on the perceived ideological differences, lamenting, “We are in two different worlds at this point…truly. These creepy self-worshipping progressive ideologies have infiltrated everywhere, and Hollywood is a severe example. It’s sad to see Cena participating.”
Amidst the online backlash, speculations arose regarding external influences, with one user commenting, “The chicom made him do it.” The incident also reignited memories of Cena’s 2021 apology to China for identifying Taiwan as a separate entity, a move that garnered significant attention and criticism.
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