Patricia Arquette says leaving her late sister Alexis out of the Oscars In Memoriam segment was a "slight to the trans community".
The late actress – who was known for undergoing gender reassignment and publicly supported others making similar transitions – passed away in September 2016 but was not included in the heart-warming segment, which honours those who have died in the past year, at the glitzy award ceremony on Sunday (26.02.17).
Alexis’ sister and fellow actress Patricia, 48, has now spoken out about the snub, calling it a "big mistake" that shows "lack of inclusion" for the transgender community.
She told ‘Entertainment Tonight’: "Alexis was a great actor, and had 70 credits, and was really brave to live her truth as a trans woman, and they didn’t include her in the memorial.
"I think that was a real slight to the trans community, especially at this time, when trans kids can’t even go to the bathroom in the United States of America at school. It says a lot about the lack of inclusion … Trans kids can really never look at anyone and see their heroes, and I think that was a big mistake."
And the ‘Medium’ actress believes it is unfair that the community have been "disrespected" in such a way.
She added: "The reality is, trans people are ignored all the time in our culture and our community. They have their civil rights taken away. They’re a very disrespected community."
At the ceremony – which took place at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre – Sara Bareilles gave a heartfelt performance of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides Now’ while images of film industry stars, including Anton Yelchin, Prince, Gene Wilder, Carrie Fisher and her mother Debbie Reynolds, John Hurt and Mary Tyler Moore were projected on screen.
The segment ended with Carrie in her most famous role as ‘Star Wars’ Princess Leia saying: "May the Force be with you."
Patricia Arquette: Leaving Alexis out of Oscars In Memoriam segment was a ‘slight to the trans community’
