Kevin Hart Steps Down as Oscars’ Host

A couple of days after he was announced as the host of the 2019 Oscars, Kevin Hart steps down from hosting this year’s Academy Awards.

Multiple outlets report that the comedian has decided to step down from the hosting gig following an outcry over his homophobic and transphobic comments. Following the announcement that Hart has been set as the night’s host, decade-old offensive tweets resurfaced and with them a demand that he steps down as host.

After the comedian took to Instagram Tuesday to announce that he had been selected to host the 2019 Academy Awards for the first time, he took to Twitter Thursday to announce his decision.

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s,” Hart wrote. He continued with an apology to the LGBTQ community, “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.”

He added, “I’m sorry that I hurt people,” he continued in a following tweet. “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.”

The 39-year-old’s apology came after earlier that day he would not apologize for the comments, despite being given an ultimatum by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.