James Franco vs. Bruce Vilanch: Who Was to Blame for Oscars Flop?

Don't mess with James Franco...he knows how to use Microsoft Paint.

Bruce Vilanch, the show writer for the Oscars, got on Franco's bad side when he told New York Magazine, "He didn't get there," in reference to Franco's Oscar-hosting performance.

Franco responded by tweeting a picture of him and Vilanch at the Oscars with the words "James f***ed up the Oscars. Trust me, I know comedy. I mean, come on, I write for Bette Midler!" in a speech bubble coming from Vilanch's mouth.

The picture was quickly removed, and Franco has since apologized for the attack.

Was Vilanch justified in saying what he said? In the interview, Vilanch chalks Franco's sleepy performance to him having "too many balls in the air" as Franco was juggling acting work, school work, and the Oscars all at the same time. Vilanch mentions (and this is true) that he was unable to meet in person with Franco until three days before the show.

Vilanch's comments seem to be a case of trying to help, but only hurting instead. He defends Franco quite a bit, and shoots down rumors that Franco was high during the show. But still, addressing the show at all with any comments other than a vague assessment of "I thought he did fine" is just asking for trouble.

Then again, it's probably not very appropriate to tweet a picture with a mocking speech bubble coming out of someone's mouth either.