Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Three days ago, funny man Kevin Hart jumped on Instagram to announce he accepted the Motion Picture Academy’s request to host the 2019 Oscars, telling fans, “This has been a goal on my list for a long time…To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable.” But last night, he told those same fans that he’s decided to step down as host of next year’s awards show amid social media backlash.
Critics were quick to attack Hart for several tweets that were deemed homophobic in 2009. The tweets used the word “gay” as an insult, The New York Times reports.
Hart initially responded to the criticism by uploading a video to Instagram explaining that he’s already apologized for his tweets on several occasions, and he’s grown as a person since his tweets (which written nearly a decade ago).
“I work hard on a daily basis to spread positivity to all … with that being said. If you want to search my history or past and anger yourselves with what u find that is fine with me.”
He continued, “I’m almost 40 years old. If you don’t believe that people change, grow, evolve as they get older, I don’t know what to tell you. If you want to hold people in a position where they always have to justify or explain the past, then do you. I’m the wrong guy, man. I’m in a great place. A great mature place where all I do is spread positivity.”
Hours later, he returned to Instagram with another video explaining the situation with the Oscars, and told fans if they choose to remove him from the show, “So be it.”
The comedian then turned to Twitter to officially announce that he “made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars.” Then detailed his decision by saying, “This is not because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing and talented artists.
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
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
He finished addressing the subject early this morning with one final tweet.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018