07 December 2018 - Kevin Hart Out as Oscars Host After Controversy Over Homophobic Tweets
Kevin Hart says he’s out as Oscars host after outrage over homophobic tweets
Travis M. Andrews (The Washington Post, 07/12/2018)
Kevin Hart announced on Twitter early Friday morning that he was stepping down from hosting this year’s Oscars ceremony after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asked him to apologize for a number of his old tweets that used homophobic language, which he initially refused to do.
“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s," Hart tweeted. "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.”
Earlier in the evening, he posted an Instagram video in which he refused to apologize for the tweets.
Kevin Hart Out As Oscar Host After Refusing to Apologize for Tweets
Nicole Sperling (Vanity Fair, 07/12/2018)
Kevin Hart announced on Twitter that he’s stepping down from hosting the Oscars next February. In two tweets issued late Thursday evening, Hart finally apologized for his comments from 2011 that included homophobic slurs, and announced that he would not be hosting the Oscars on February 24, 2019.
The tweets read, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars....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.
“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.”
Oscars host Kevin Hart's homophobia is no laughing matter
Benjamin Lee (The Guardian, 05/12/2018)
At first glance, the Academy picking the ebullient and experienced comedian-actor Kevin Hart to host the 2019 Oscars seems like a smart pick.
The 39-year-old star of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Ride Along has quipped his way to becoming one of the most dependable box office stars working today with his films totalling over $3.5bn worldwide. His social media presence has also been a major key to his success with 34 million followers on Twitter and over 65 million on Instagram and with ratings for the ceremony continuing to spiral down, the Academy clearly hopes he’ll help draw viewers back in.
After two years of straight white host Jimmy Kimmel’s rather dull shtick and after an increased push to improve the diversity of voters, choosing an African American host is also a much-needed leap forward on stage.
Kevin Hart responds after antigay tweets resurface online following Oscars reveal
Mariah Haas (Fox News, 07/12/2018)
Kevin Hart has responded to the controversy surrounding his past social media posts. The tweets, which include homophobic expressions, recently resurfaced following the actor-comedian's announcement earlier this week that he would host the 2019 Oscars.
On Thursday, the 39-year-old star went on Instagram to write a lengthy post telling people to "stop looking for reasons to be negative."
"Stop searching for reasons to be angry.... I swear I wish you guys could see/feel/understand the mental place that I am in," he continued.