Kevin Hart has revealed that he will no longer be hosting the Academy Awards in February, just days after confirming the news.
Taking to Twitter, the comedian wrote, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s….this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.
“I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”
In another tweet, he added, “I’m sorry that I hurt people.. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s….this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018
I’m sorry that I hurt people.. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018
Kevin’s statement comes just hours after he posted a video on Instagram, in which he revealed that the Academy had called him and asked him to apologise for homophobic comments he’s made in the past, during standup comedy routines and on his Twitter account.
In the video, he explained, “So I just got a call from The Academy. That call basically said, ‘Kevin, apologize for your tweets or we’re going to have to move on and find another host.'”
However, the actor insisted that he wasn’t going to apologise, because he’s addressed the comments he’s made before.
“The reason that I passed is I’ve addressed it several times. That’s not the first time this has come up. I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then. I’ve done it,” he said.
“I’m not gonna continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on. I’m in a completely different space in my life.”
“I’m gonna be me and stand my ground. Regardless, The Academy I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away, no harm no foul,” he added.
The Academy are yet to publicly comment on the matter.
