Kevin Hart Steps Down As Oscar Host After Old Homophobic Tweets Resurface

Hart is forced to step down.

We reported earlier today that Kevin Hart addressed the outrage caused from old tweets he posted that recently resurfaced. Much like what happened to James Gunn and Rick & Morty creator Dan Harmon earlier this year, internet warriors dug deep into Hart’s profile to discover that he made questionable jokes on Twitter years ago. Hart uses homophobic slurs and uses the word “gay” disparagingly to describe those partaking in actions he deemed to be homosexual. Hart just announced earlier this week that he was set to host the 2019 Oscars, but now, he has stepped down.

https://twitter.com/adambvary/status/1070451517092651008

Hart took to Twitter on Thursday night to announce that he will be stepping down. He apologizes to the LGBT community in his tweet, something he neglected to do in his original response. His lack of an apology only caused more outrage, although now the damage has already been done. “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s,” Hart started. “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.” The folks over at the Academy may have offered Hart the option to back out before they let him go. The LGBT community comprises a decent part of the talent industry, and this feels like a move that was forced upon Hart, rather than one he chose. Either way, Hart is paying for the consequences of his actions.

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