John Cena appeared to present the award for best costume design at the 2024 Oscars in nothing but Birkenstocks, with an oversize envelope held over his groin.
But as it turns out, he wasn't in danger of flashing anyone at all.
Although the "Fast X" star looked fully naked when he took the stage, backstage photos show that he was wearing a protective garment that covered his private parts.
The beige-colored protective garment resembled a piece of underwear and covered Cena in the front and back.
In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., John Cena is seen backstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.
Cena's supposed nude moment was meant to be an homage to a famous Oscars incident: In 1974, a naked man ran behind the host David Niven as he introduced Elizabeth Taylor to present the award for best picture.
"Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn't that be crazy?" this year's host, Jimmy Kimmel, said as a shirtless Cena peeked out from behind a stage prop.
"I changed my mind. I don't want to do the streaker bit," Cena told Kimmel. "I just don't feel right about it. It's an elegant event, you know. Honestly, you should feel ashamed right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea."
Later, after Cena said he couldn't lift the envelope to announce the winner, Kimmel stepped in and dressed him in a makeshift toga.
But as it turns out, he wasn't in danger of flashing anyone at all.
Although the "Fast X" star looked fully naked when he took the stage, backstage photos show that he was wearing a protective garment that covered his private parts.
The beige-colored protective garment resembled a piece of underwear and covered Cena in the front and back.
In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., John Cena is seen backstage during the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.
Cena's supposed nude moment was meant to be an homage to a famous Oscars incident: In 1974, a naked man ran behind the host David Niven as he introduced Elizabeth Taylor to present the award for best picture.
"Can you imagine if a nude man ran across the stage today? Wouldn't that be crazy?" this year's host, Jimmy Kimmel, said as a shirtless Cena peeked out from behind a stage prop.
"I changed my mind. I don't want to do the streaker bit," Cena told Kimmel. "I just don't feel right about it. It's an elegant event, you know. Honestly, you should feel ashamed right now for suggesting such a tasteless idea."
Later, after Cena said he couldn't lift the envelope to announce the winner, Kimmel stepped in and dressed him in a makeshift toga.
