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Security Break at Oscar Telecast!

A naked 33-year-old man named Robert Opal streaked briefly into view, flashing a peace sign, as NBC cameras cut away to avoid a full frontal assault on viewers of the Academy Awards* ceremony, broadcast worldwide.

The Los Angeles sex shop owner streaked all the way from one side of the stage to the other just before the best picture award was announced. Opal was clearly viewable behind actor David Niven, who was on stage and ready to introduce Elizabeth Taylor.

“Isn’t it fascinating,” remarked host David Niven, as the naked man disappeared into the wings after streaking across the stage, “to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off his clothes and showing his shortcomings?”

Some were convinced that the security break was staged. Cynics found Niven’s line too good not to be scripted, and they gained additional ammunition when instead of pressing charges, the Academy put some clothes on the streaker and brought him into the press area.

Producer Jack Haley Jr. denied the interruption was planned.

*(1974)