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Olivia Newton-John's publicist 'disappointed' after late actress excluded from 'In Memoriam' montage at Emmys

'Personally very disappointed by the snub', Newton-John's publicist said, while the family is still grieving and not commenting at this time

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: Olivia Newton-John who died on August 8 at her ranch in Southern California after her battle with cancer for over three decades, was missed from the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards' 'In Memoriam' tribute.

Michael Caprio, Newton-John's publicist is left "fuming" and "very disappointed" by the neglect, insisting she absolutely deserved to be honored. Every year, the Emmy Awards pay tribute to those who have died since the previous ceremony, and this year's montage featured music by John Legend. Several admirers were disappointed that the renowned actor was omitted from the list even though the event honored some of Hollywood's most well-known celebrities, including Sidney Poitier, Betty White, Bob Saget, and Ray Liotta.

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"Personally very disappointed by the snub," Caprio, her publicist of 24 years, told TMZ, "while the family is still grieving and not commenting at this time." The decision, he argued, wasn't appropriate considering Newton-John's "extensive track record in Hollywood and especially on TV," the article noted.

Newton-John has had a long career, appearing on shows including 'American Idol', 'RuPaul's Drag Race', 'Glee', and 'Murphy Brown' in addition to starring in TV movies like 'A Mom for Christmas'. In the musical film 'Grease', she co-starred with John Travolta as Danny Zuko as Sandy Olsson, and is likely best recognized for that role.

Many admirers expressed their disappointment at the star's lack of recognition during this year's Emmy Awards ceremony on Twitter. One individual wrote, "Every year, tributes are paid to those who have died in the time since the last ceremony, with John Legend providing the soundtrack to this year's scene. Did the #Emmys seriously forget Olivia Newton John in the 'Memoriam segment' ? Shame on them!!!!!"

Another fan wrote, "Wait did the Emmy’s not acknowledge the passing of Olivia Newton John?!? I still feel like she should still have been mentioned even if she didn't win an Emmy in her lifetime or maybe that's just me?!" This other fan feeling "mad" about the neglect wrote, "Emmy awards didn't include Olivia Newton John in the memoriam tribute and I’ve never been so mad..."

One fan confused about the neglect from the "In Memoriam" wrote, "did they miss Olivia Newton John in the memorial part of the Emmy's or am I blind." Another fan finding the the entire broadcast "awful" wrote, "Tonight's Emmy broadcast is just *awful*. Just. Awful. The 'trying-so-hard-to-be-funny' is just... *not* working. Also, shame on you, @TelevisionAcad, for failing to include Olivia Newton-John in your In Memoriam tribute." 

TV executives claim that she was honored, however according to Metro.co.uk, it was during the Creative Arts Emmys event. "She was recognized at the Creative Arts Emmy In Memoriam that was broadcast on FXX On Sep 10, 2022. Creative Arts, among its Emmy categories, honors music and composers," the executives statements reported by the outlet read.

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