PwC accountants responsible for Oscars mix-up 'in fear for their lives' after receiving death threats
The accountants responsible for the Best Picture mishap at last Sunday’s Oscars have reportedly hired bodyguards after receiving death threats from angry film fans.
Cullinan and Ruiz were the only two people who knew the winners ahead of last week's show
During the show, PwC accountant Brian Cullinan mistakenly handed presenter Warren Beatty the wrong envelope which resulted in La La Land being mistakenly awarded the Best Picture gong over rightful winner Moonlight.
Described as the “biggest blunder in Oscars history,” PwC apologised for “failing the Academy” singling out Cullinan in the process for a “series of mistakes”. Now, according to reports, Cullinan and fellow PwC employee Martha Ruiz are “in such fear for their lives, their bosses have hired security to protect them.”
Photos of the duo’s homes have been posted online following the gaffe with Cullinan and Ruiz voicing concerns for the security of their families.
Following PwC’s apology, Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs confirmed that Cullinan and Ruiz would not be working with the Oscars again, praising La La Land producer Jordan Horowitz for his honourable behaviour upon realising Moonlight had won.
Cullinan was photographed using his mobile phone around the time of handing over the Best Picture envelope, because of the distraction Beatty was given a duplicate version of the Best Actress in a Leading Role card which had just been awarded to La La Land’s Emma Stone.