Kevin Hart steps down as Oscars 2019 host after outrage over resurfaced homophobic tweets

Early on Friday morning, actor-comedian Kevin Hart took to social media to announce he was stepping down as the hosts for the 91st Academy Awards, just two days after he was announced to be the host of the ceremony next year. 

This decision came after certain anti-gay comments by Kevin resurfaced on the internet after he was announced to be the Oscars host. In his response to the backlash, the Ride Along star apologised to the LGBTQ community and stepped down as the host to avoid being a distraction at the Oscars. 

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 added that he was evolving and he hoped the opportunity to host the Awards will come later.

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.

The actor then posted a detailed Instagram video where he explains that even though the Academy called him to give an ultimatum, which basically entailed him apologising for his old tweets to still be able to host the Oscars, he was giving the chance a pass. 

In the video, the 39-year-old said, “I just got a call from the Academy and that call basically said, ‘Kevin, apologise for your tweets of old or we’re going to have to move on and find another host.’ I’m talking about the tweets from 2009 and 2010, I chose to pass on the apology. The reason why I passed is because I’ve addressed this several times. This is not the first time this has come up. I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then. I’ve done it. I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different place in my life.”

Kevin ended the video by saying, "We feed Internet trolls and reward them. I’m not going to do it, man. I’m going to be me. I’m going to stay on my grind. Regardless, Academy, I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away, no harm no foul."

With Kevin out of the picture, it is too early to say who will be taking over the hosting responsibilities for the ceremony on February 24, 2019.