Actress and Fox News personality Stacey Dash says she wants to bring a different kind of diversity to Hollywood — and that’s why she participated in one of the oddest Oscar moments.
The former “Clueless” actress has attracted attention lately for her conservative viewpoints, including suggesting on Fox that there should not be a Black History Month. Dash, who is black, also spoke out against people complaining that the Oscars didn’t reflect diversity.
She was jokingly introduced by host Chris Rock as director of the Oscar’s minority outreach program. Dash strode onstage to say “I cannot wait to help my people out. Happy Black History Month!”
The joke fell flat, perhaps because many people in the audience didn’t understand the reference.
I honest don't understand why Stacey Dash was on my screen at the #Oscars I don't understand what happened.
— Eliel Cruz (@elielcruz) February 29, 2016
the best part of the Oscars has been the 2 claps for Stacey Dash.
— Amanda Seales (@amandaseales) February 29, 2016
Dash explained online why she did it:
"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. ... Bringing diversity to Hollywood… not merely because of color, but politics as well."