Kevin Hart Bows Out As Oscars Host Amid Backlash Over Past Tweets

Kevin Hart, seen attending the NFL Honors ceremony in February. Just a couple of days after he was announced as host of the next Oscars, the comedian said he would be stepping down amid a firestorm over his past tweets.

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Just days after Kevin Hart got the nod to host the 91st Academy Awards ceremony, declaring it “the opportunity of a life time,” the comedian is relinquishing the microphone. Hart announced that he is stepping down, citing his series of years-old homophobic tweets that had recently resurfaced.

He made the decision because he did not “want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists,” Hart said in a pair of tweets. “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”

“I’m sorry that I hurt people,” he added. “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.”