Life

Kevin Hart steps down as Oscars host over homophobic tweets

By Daniel Megarry

7th December 2018

Kevin Hart has stepped down from his role as Oscars 2019 host.

The American comedian was announced to be the next host of the high-profile awards ceremony on Tuesday, but shortly after, past tweets of a homophobic nature resurfaced online.

“Yo if my son comes home & try’s 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay’,” he wrote in one tweet, which has since been deleted.

Comments made during his Seriously Funny show in 2010 also received attention, where he told the audience: “One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay. That’s a fear.”

Following widespread backlash, Kevin announced that he would be stepping down from Oscars hosting duties on social media.

“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 wrote.

“I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past. 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.”

Hours before apologising, Kevin posted an Instagram video in which he revealed the Academy had called him and told him he would be removed as host if he didn’t issue an apology for his past tweets.

“I chose to pass, I passed on the apology,” he said at the time.

“The reason I chose to pass is because I’ve addressed this several times, this is not the first time this has come up, I’ve addressed this.

“I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different space in my life.

“Regardless, Academy, I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away no harm no foul.”

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