Image Text:

PICTURED: Kevin Hart

KEVIN HART has stepped down as the host of the 2019 Academy Awards after a series of perceived homophobic comments and tweets from the comedian resurfaced.

On Friday, Hart posted an apology to the LGBTQ community on Twitter for his past “insensitive words” and confirmed he would not take on the coveted hosting job, so as not to be a “distraction”.

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars,” wrote Hart.

“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 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 and appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”

Just hours earlier, Hart, who is currently in Australia, posted a video to Instagram saying he had received a call from the Academy telling him to apologise or he would be removed as host.

In the video, Hart said he would not apologise. “I chose to pass, I passed on the apology. 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,” he said.

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

Watch the video below:

View this post on Instagram

I know who I am & so do the people closest to me. #LiveLoveLaugh

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 6, 2018 at 7:31pm PST

Read every story in our hardcopy newspaper for free by downloading the app.