James Franco, actor and UCLA alumnus, announced his cancellation as the keynote speaker for the UCLA College of Letters and Science commencement ceremony, according to a press release.
“I deeply regret not being able to keep my commitment to giving the commencement speech at UCLA’s graduation this year,” Franco said in a prepared statement provided to UCLA. “Unfortunately the date conflicts with me needing to be on location to begin pre-production on my next film. I wish everyone in the 2009 class the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.”
The College is looking for a replacement speaker based on a list of recommendations compiled by a formal committee. An announcement will be made when an alternate speaker for the event is found, according to a press release.
The committee was formed in response to former President Bill Clinton’s cancellation as speaker for the 2008 commencement ceremony, according to Daily Bruin archives.
The ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 12 and is the main commencement for graduating seniors.
Compiled by Samantha Schaefer, Bruin senior staff.