An unexpected conflict is rocking Hollywood and making headlines in the entertainment world. Kevin Costner, the acclaimed actor and director known for classics like “Dances with Wolves” and the series “Yellowstone,” has made a threat that no one saw coming. In a public statement, he announced that he would boycott the Oscars while Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned actress and longtime host, was on stage. But what makes the matter even more explosive is the accompanying statement: a brief, nine-word declaration that is causing a stir: “I do not accept that…” The rest remains unfinished, but speculation is growing.

The news came like a thunderclap. Costner, who won an Oscar for Best Director in 1991, is considered one of the most respected figures in the film industry. His threat was first made in an interview with a small radio station in Montana, where he discussed his current projects. When asked if he planned to attend the upcoming Oscars, he responded with unusual harshness: “Not while Whoopi Goldberg is up there. I don’t accept that…” Then he broke off, left the sentence hanging, and changed the subject. But those few words were enough to trigger an avalanche of reactions.

What exactly Costner has against Goldberg is still unclear. The two have never worked together on a project in the past, and there are no known public disputes between them. Goldberg, an icon of the entertainment world, has been a fixture at the Oscars for decades, either as a presenter or as a celebrity guest. With her straightforward humor and often political commentary, she has won both fans and critics. But the fact that Costner, who rarely engages in public controversy, is targeting her surprises even the most die-hard Hollywood insiders.

Reactions in the industry are divided. Some support Costner’s point of view, even if they don’t know exactly what motivates him. “Perhaps he’s already fed up with the politicization of the event,” one producer speculated anonymously in a press interview. Others see his threat as a publicity stunt to generate attention for his upcoming projects. Critics, however, accuse him of needlessly dragging the Oscars into a personal dispute. “This is selfish and petty,” wrote one film critic in X. “The Oscars are bigger than a single star.”

Fans and the media are baffled by the meaning of his incomplete statement. “I don’t accept that…” – what? Some suspect Costner disagrees with Goldberg’s often liberal views, which may contrast with his image as a down-to-earth, conservative American. Others speculate it was a personal, behind-the-scenes insult that never came to light. A third theory is that he’s fed up with the whole direction the Oscars have taken (too much glitz, too little substance) and sees Goldberg simply as a symbol of that.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Oscars, has yet to officially respond. However, confidential sources report that intense discussions are taking place behind the scenes. Goldberg himself took the matter with humor. On his talk show, “The View,” he laughed and said, “Kevin, if you don’t want to come, stay home. We can do this without you!” But his relaxed demeanor doesn’t hide the fact that the situation could pose a problem for the organizers. Costner draws crowds, and his absence could further depress the already weak ratings.

The public is also divided. A war is breaking out on social media between Costner fans and Goldberg supporters. “Finally, someone is telling the truth about this show,” wrote one fan. “Whoopi is a legend and Costner should be ashamed,” replied another. The debate has long transcended Hollywood and is also taking place in Europe and Asia, where the Oscars remain a global event.

It remains to be seen what will happen next. Will Costner make good on his threat? Will Goldberg fight back, or will the Academy intervene? And what exactly is it refusing to accept? The incomplete statement hangs like a mystery over the whole affair and increases the tension. One thing is certain: this controversy will shape the upcoming awards season, whether with or without Kevin Costner on the red carpet.