Kevin Hart steps down as Oscar host
Just days after he was confirmed to be hosting the 2019 Academy Awards ceremony, comedian Kevin Hart has announced he’s stepping down and will not host the awards show. Following the announcement that Hart would host, derogatory comments and tweets previously made by the comedian about the LGBTQ community were unearthed which has now resulted in him stepping down.
“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s (sic),” Hart wrote on Twitter. “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.”
It remains to be seen who will replace Hart as the host for the event, as reports earlier this week indicated that the producers were having a difficult time finding willing participants for the role.
The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
(Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
