PETA has withdrawn an offer to televise an anti-dogfighting public service announcement with Michael Vick after his release from prison.
The organization said Wednesday that an agreement was reached with Vick’s representatives to shoot the spot, but that Vick’s attorneys sought assurance from PETA the group would support Vick’s return to the NFL.
“Saying sorry and getting his ball back after being caught enjoying killing dogs in hideously cruel ways for many years doesn’t cut it,” said PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk. “Commissioner Goodell knows that he has an obligation to the league and to millions of fans, including children who look up to ballplayers as idols, to make sure that Michael Vick is mentally capable of remorse before he can touch, let alone wear, an NFL uniform again.”
PETA is urging that Vick undergo a brain scan and a full psychiatric evaluation.
Oscar Producers Preview What’s In Store With New Wrinkles From 1st-Time Host Conan O’Brien
"I'm Just Ken" is a hard act to follow.
Last year's Oscars was by all accounts a successful show, with memorable performances and unscripted moments (thanks in part to Emma Stone's dress), and a winning movie that most people had seen. But the team behind last year's show is "aiming for the stars" once more.
"We're feeling the pressure," said Oscars executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor. "But we're not ones to rest on our laurels. We always want to push the envelope."
With just days to go until the three-and-a-half hour live broadcast, airing on ABC and streaming live on Hulu Sunday, March 2, the team behind the show provided a little insight into what to expect.
"We want people when they watch the Oscars to be inspired by the films but also be inspired by the broadcast and feel something like it's a show that you can watch with your friends and your family and debate on who should have won and who is winning," Kapoor said. "We want people to have all the feels when they watch the show."
Conan O'Brien has some surprises in store
One of the major things that the producers are excited about this year is their first-time host, Conan O'Brien.
"That alone brings this fresh, invigorated energy," Kapoor said. O'Brien, he said, has been a "wealth of ideas and imagination" since he accepted the gig and that he and his team are going to keep writing up until the show — and as a veteran of live television, he's skilled at in-the-moment improvisation as well.
"He is going to be this great, exciting, warm hug and guide us through the night," said Oscars executive producer Katy Mullan. "He's got some surprises up his sleeve, which is fantastic because we love to keep people... Read More