Eddie Murphy Quits as Oscar Host

Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards following the resignation of his friend Brett Ratner, who stepped down as producer partly due to criticism over his use of a gay slur, reports Deadline.

Also, the Academy is set to announce that Brian Grazer, the Oscar-winning producer of A Beautiful Mind, will produce this year's awards show, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Murphy released a statement but didn't give a specific reason for his departure. "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony," Murphy says. "I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

Following widespread industry concern over Ratner's suitability as Oscar coproducer following his use of a homophobic slur over the weekend and boasting about his sexual exploits on a radio show, Ratner announced his departure yesterday. Many wondered whether Murphy, who'd been convinced to take the hosting gig after working with Ratner on the comedy Tower Heist, would follow suit.

"I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well," says Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in a statement.

Ratner's coproducer Don Mischer, who is a past Oscar producer, seems to still be in place. It's not yet clear who will be hired to replace Murphy.