Just a few days after being announced as the host of the 2019 Oscars ceremony, Kevin Hart has withdrawn from his role at the awards.
Kevin Hart has refused to apologise for tweets that resurfaced this week.
The comedian took to his Instagram, saying that The Academy got in touch with him, and gave him an ultimatum.
After saying that he's not going to apologise, he tweeted that he would be stepping down as the host. He tweeted "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."
He continued, "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."
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
He also went on to say "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'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 also uploaded a video to his Instagram, where he talks about people changing over time. He believes he shouldn't need to apologise for tweets from years ago, as it was his past self.
Now, the tweets in question that have thrown Kevin into the spotlight are not that hard to find. One twitter user searched Kevin's twitter feed, and input words such as "gay," "fag," and "homo" and the results can be seen below.
After seeing this @benfraserlee tweet, I did a search for every time Kevin Hart tweeted "fag," "homo," or "gay." It was…a lot. And he seems to have basically stopped tweeting those words after 2011 — i.e. the year his first stand-up movie became a hit. https://t.co/P8nTOilFgx pic.twitter.com/6uzPhnvt4F
— Adam B. Vary (@adambvary) December 5, 2018
For his past actions, Kevin has received a lot of backlash from members of The Hollywood elite.
Wow. Just...wow. Does he realize he signed up to host the OSCARS? You wanna tweet “jokes” about gay bashing your own son I guess that’s your choice but at the very least, KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE!!! https://t.co/ztauMLKu5M
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 7, 2018
I mean yes, Kevin Hart, I am going to hold you accountable for your homophobia.
— roxane gay (@rgay) December 7, 2018
With just under two months to go until the 2019 Oscars rolls around, the team will have to scramble to find a replacement host very soon.
What do you make of Kevin Hart's actions? Let us know in the comments.
Via Buzzfeed News.