Defiant Kevin Hart Quits as Oscar Host
by EG
Kevin Hart says he's changed since he made a series of anti-gay comments a few years ago, but his refusal to apologize for the comments called that into question. Instead, he pointed critics toward his initial response to the outcry a few years ago (which included the explanation "if I can prevent my son from being gay, I will") and stepped down as Oscars host. After his intial defiance, Hart did offer an apology on Twitter, but many thought it was less than sincere. Read on for more.
Via Page Six.
Kevin Hart said Thursday night that he’s stepping down from hosting the 2019 Oscars — just two days after getting the gig — in the wake of criticism over a series of homophobic tweets he posted years ago.
“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,” Hart wrote in a statement on Twitter.
The announcement he would be quitting the show came just minutes after he posted a message on Instagram saying Motion Picture Academy officials had asked him to apologize or they would find another host — and he refused to apologize.
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
Despite that statement, Hart did offer an apology in his later resignation tweet, saying: “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”
A number of homophobic tweets that Hart had sent years ago drew criticism after he was tapped as the ceremony’s host on Tuesday.
One from 2011 said: “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.”
Get the rest of the story at Page Six.
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