Joan Rivers: Melissa Rivers Responds to Oscars Snub

On the late comedian’s Facebook page, Melissa Rivers posted, “It would have been nice, especially considering the impact she had on the awards season” to be included in the Oscars coverage.

The statement continued, “But [my son] Cooper and I have been overwhelmed with support and love over my mom’s passing and we choose to focus on that.”

This statement from the E! producer came hours after the Academy released a statement of its own as to why Joan Rivers, who died last September, was not included.

The Academy told USA Today, “Joan Rivers is among the many worthy artists and filmmakers we were unfortunately unable to feature in the In Memoriam segment of this year’s Oscar show. She is, however, included in our In Memoriam gallery on Oscar.com.”

Instead, the Oscars honored Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Maya Angelou, alongside such industry figures as Mickey Rooney, Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall.

While the show left Rivers out, her daughter Melissa made sure to pay tribute right as E! began its red carpet coverage of the night. The network started off with Fashion Police co-host Giuliana Rancic saying a few words about her mentor and “dear friend” — then throwing it Melissa so she could share some precious memories of her late mother.