Long before Will Smith’s infamous slap incident, Richard Gere landed in Oscars hot water.

In a recent interview with Variety published Dec. 3, Gere, 76, spoke out about his feelings about his 20-year ban from the Academy Awards.

“I didn’t take it particularly personally,” the “Pretty Woman” actor explained . “I didn’t think there were any bad guys in the situation. I do what I do, and I certainly don’t mean anyone any harm.”

Just what was he talking about?

Gere has been friends with the Dalai Lama for 45 years, he told the outlet. The actor has frequently criticized China and advocated for Tibet. He’s been banned from China for life.

His most recent project is executive producing a 2025 documentary about the Dalai Lama titled, “Wisdom of Happiness.”

Why was Richard Gere banned fr

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