*The man accused of taking off with Frances McDormand’s Oscar has been charged with felony grand theft, despite the actress’ plea that officials “let him go.”
According to TMZ, Terry Bryant is still behind bars after being charged with a single felony count because the statue is worth more than $950, said the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
Bryant is accused of taking McDormand’s prize during the Governors Ball on Sunday, where he took time to videotape himself gloating to others at the party about the prize his “team” was taking home. And speaking of video, he was taped leaving the Oscars while brazenly holding up the statuette for all to see.
NEWS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED: WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP ON THE ‘REAL’ REASON USHER AND GRACE MIGUEL SPLIT
McDormand reportedly told officials not to charge Bryant, but it turns out the actress doesn’t technically own the Oscar — the film academy does — and the organization’s named on a police report as the wronged party, according to TMZ.
The site says that Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rules dictate that winners have right of possession, but not ownership, of their Oscar statues — a rule that prevents them from being sold.
He was arrested at 11:50 p.m. at the party site, which is inside the Hollywood & Highland center.
The 47-year-old was being held on $20,000 bail. He is due to appear in a downtown courtroom Wednesday for his arraignment. He faces up to three years in prison if convicted.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
