In 1989, Rob Lowe, in an attempt to revamp his image after a sex-tape scandal, opened the ceremony with an excruciating musical number that made everyone uncomfortable, both at home and in the theater. He sang off-key and danced with a young unknown actress who was dressed as Snow White. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times wrote that the show earned "a permanent place in the annals of Oscar embarrassments."
The industry publication also reported that Disney was upset about the use of its copyrighted Snow White and sued the Academy. Days later, 17 Hollywood stars including Julie Andrews, Paul Newman, and Gregory Peck signed an open letter calling the program "an embarrassment to both the Academy and the entire motion picture industry."