Sacheen Littlefeather receives an apology from Academy after 50 years

Los Angeles: Nearly 50 years after she was booed off the Oscars stage for declining Marlon Brando´s award on his behalf in protest at the film industry´s treatment of Native Americans, Sacheen Littlefeather has received an apology from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group said Monday.

Littlefeather, who is Apache and Yaqui, was heckled at the 1973 Academy Awards while explaining at his behest why an absent Brando could not accept his best actor Oscar for "The Godfather."

She later said veteran Western star John Wayne had to be restrained from physically assaulting her, in an incident that has since drawn comparisons with Will Smith´s infamous attack on Chris Rock at this year´s ceremony.

"The abuse you endured because of this statement was unwarranted and unjustified," said the apology letter sent in June from then-Academy president David Rubin.

"The emotional burden you have lived through and the cost to your own career in our industry are irreparable.

"For too long the courage you showed has been unacknowledged. For this, we offer both our deepest apologies and our sincere admiration."

The Academy released the letter as it announced that Littlefeather has been invited to speak at its film museum in Los Angeles next month.

The museum, which opened last September, has pledged to confront the Oscars´ "problematic history" including racism. One display already tackles the harassment of Littlefeather.

"Regarding the Academy´s apology to me, we Indians are very patient people -- it´s only been 50 years!" Littlefeather said in a statement.

"We need to keep our sense of humor about this at all times. It´s our method of survival," said Littlefeather, describing the upcoming event as "a dream come true."

"It is profoundly heartening to see how much has changed since I did not accept the Academy Award 50 years ago. I am so proud of each and every person who will appear on stage," she added.