Two days after being announced as host of the 2019 Oscars, comedian/actor Kevin Hart is off the job; quitting after a Twitter scandal quickly spiraled out of control.
Hart tweeted late on Thursday he was stepping down from the hosting gig. The announcement followed two widely-derided videos that showed no contrition for homophobic tweets Hart sent between 2009 and 2011; in one he threatened violence against his son if he turned out to be gay and in others he used antigay slurs.
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
While Hart says he "made the choice to step down," he earlier released an Instagram video stating the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences told him he had to apologize for the tweets to keep his job, and he refused.
Meanwhile, out CNN commentator Don Lemon told Hart he could help him become an ally to the LGBTQ community.
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