Adrien Brody faces backlash for tossing gum to girlfriend during Academy Awards

Actor Adrien Brody (51) is facing criticism for his behavior at the Academy Awards.

Brody won the Best Actor award at the 97th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on March 2 (local time) for his role in the film 'Brutalist.'

He received his second Academy Award after overcoming fierce competitors like actors Timothée Chalamet, Colman Domingo, Sebastian Stan, and Ralph Fiennes. Brody appeared overwhelmed with emotion when his name was announced.

However, as he was walking up the stairs to the stage, he suddenly turned around and took gum out of his mouth, tossing it to his girlfriend Georgina Chapman (48) in the audience. Chapman is also the former partner of disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, who is currently imprisoned for a sex crime scandal.

Chapman appeared to be diligently trying to catch the gum that Brody threw.

Such behavior outraged the audience. Reactions included comments like, 'Disgusting,' 'Why throw that to your girlfriend?' and 'Brody tossing gum to Chapman while walking up the stairs to receive his award is honestly more shocking than Will Smith hitting Chris Rock.' After winning, Brody also defended his actions on Live with Kelly and Mark.

He said, '(I could have) swallowed it, but I didn't think like that. I had to get rid of it somehow.' Chapman revealed that she was unable to catch Brody's gum.

Brody further incited backlash with a lengthy acceptance speech lasting 5 minutes and 40 seconds, which is the longest acceptance speech in Academy history.

In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for his acting, life, and Chapman, as well as their two children from her previous relationship with Weinstein.

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