Kamala Harris sparks row as she sets record straight on rumoured Oscars attendance after security overhaul
Kamala Harris has cancelled her expected appearance at the 97th Academy Awards, which is taking place today in Los Angeles.
The former US Vice President’s decision not to attend was announced by her ex-husband Doug Emhoff.
Multiple sources had previously indicated Harris would be present at the star-studded ceremony hosted by Conan O’Brien.
The last-minute change of plans came despite extraordinary security measures already being implemented around the Dolby Theatre.
Oscars watch party prep. pic.twitter.com/vOU3D1jubQ
— Doug Emhoff (@DouglasEmhoff) March 2, 2025
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Harris, who was the Democratic candidate for the White House in 2024, will instead be staying home this Sunday.
The decision not to attend was made earlier on Sunday afternoon for “a variety of reasons”, according to sources.
When previously approached by Deadline for comment on Harris’s attendance, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not respond.
However, an Academy source had told the publication that reports of the former Vice President’s attendance were “not true”.
After seeing her husband’s post on X, Harris’s decision to snub attending split social media users at home.
“Couldn’t make it to the White House, settled for white countertops,” one user mocked before another ridiculed: “Pahahahaha. Still using the Doritos prop?? Didn’t work the first time Douggie.” (sic)
And a third hit out: “I supported and voted for Kamala Harris in the election. The idea of her coming to the Oscars was/is stupid. Just stupid. Why? To what end?”
However, others praised her decision: “Great to see your wife looking happy and relaxed and at home with the most important people. Enjoy enjoy enjoy. Both of you rest up; there’ll be saving the world necessary in due time.”
“That’s my president. Doritos, comfy clothes, ready to judge celebs,” another weighed in.
The cancellation came after significant preparations had already been made to accommodate her high-profile presence at the event.
Security around the Dolby Theatre had reached an all-time high in anticipation of Harris’s visit.
A “modern-day Praetorian Guard” of LAPD, federal law enforcement and additional personnel have effectively shut down the Hollywood area.
“All vehicles have to let the dogs in,” one officer was overheard saying on a blockaded Hollywood Boulevard.
This came as a convoy of black mini-buses brought in more private security personnel.
K-9 units were observed thoroughly checking all incoming vehicles.
Black-tie staff with walkie-talkies and police officers surrounded the tented red carpet entrance to the Dolby Theatre throughout the day.
“We live in a new evolving security environment,” a federal official told Deadline on Sunday.
The heightened measures were directly linked to Harris’s expected attendance.
“The expected attendance of the former vice president is a major factor in the added security,” another law enforcement officer explained.
Despite these extensive preparations, Harris ultimately decided not to attend the ceremony.
The security operation represents one of the most significant deployments for an Academy Awards ceremony in recent years.
Officials have not provided further details about the specific security concerns that may have influenced the decision.