Oscars Attendees Reportedly ‘Anxious’ After Alert of Potential Terror Attack as Show Exec Confirms FBI’s Involvement
The Oscars are one of the biggest nights in entertainment, with celebrities usually very eager to show up on the red carpet and turn heads. But this year, there’s one particular thing that is making the Oscars less desirable than in years past, and it’s the fear that there could be an attack during the ceremony.
Security teams have reportedly escalated precautions around the event after the FBI warned local law enforcement that Iran has explored launching drones towards the US West Coast in retaliation for recent military action against the country. The information the FBI has provided is said to be precautionary—no targets or timing have been confirmed, but federal agencies, LAPD, and private security present at the event are still coordinating the ramped-up security for the night.
Executive producer of the Oscars Raj Kapoor told RadarOnline, “I feel like on this show, we have one of the best teams in the business in all aspects, and that comes down to our security team. So, of course, every year we monitor what’s going on in the world,” adding, “We have the support of the F.B.I. and the L.A.P.D., and it’s a close collaboration.”
“This show has to run like clockwork,” he added. “But we want everybody who is coming to this show, who is witnessing the show, who is even a fan of the show, when they’re standing outside the barricades. We want everybody to feel safe, protected, and welcome.”
He also stressed that the team is taking things very seriously. “It’s our job as a producing team to make sure that that translates, and that really comes down to us with this very tight relationship, and we have a whole other team of support,” adding, “It’s something that we don’t take lightly and we take a lot of responsibility for.”
But celebrities are on edge. One private security contractor who works with several A-list celebrities told the outlet that there is obviously anxiety.
“There is genuine unease behind the scenes because everyone understands the Oscars is one of the most visible events in the world. If someone wanted attention, that stage would deliver it,” he explained. “Clients are now asking detailed questions about evacuation routes, airspace monitoring and how quickly the venue could be locked down if something appeared in the sky.”
“No one is saying the threat is certain, but the fact federal agencies issued the alert has made people jittery,” he added. “When you start talking about drones launched from offshore vessels, that immediately raises the stakes.
“The industry has been told security will be extremely tight, but some celebrities are still nervous because the technology involved means threats can come from places you cannot easily see.”
Law enforcement agencies across California are working hard to reinforce security around the event. Surveillance, intelligence sharing, and protective measures have reportedly been expanded around the Oscars venue.
Conan O’Brien will host the Oscars, which are set to take place Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
