Kevin Hart Steps Down As 2019 Oscars Host After Homophobic Tweets Surface

He’s out! Kevin Hart stepped down as the host of the 2019 Oscars ceremony, after some homophobic tweets he wrote in the past surfaced. The comedian wrote on Twitter late on Dec. 6, “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.”

Previously, Hart announced on his official Instagram page that he would host the awards show for the first time, according to CNN. He wrote on Dec. 4 that he was, “so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars,” after writing that he’d always said that he’d love the opportunity and that it would happen when it was supposed to. Looks like Kevin will have to wait a little while longer.

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 Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

The tweets in question were written between 2009 and 2011 and included derogatory language about LGBTQ individuals as well as disparaging comments about sexuality. In one of the tweets — some of which have been deleted — the comedian wrote, “Yo if my son comes home & try’s[sic] 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay’,” according to CNN.

Previously, Kevin had seemed unapologetic about his past actions and determined not to step down even as people called for him to answer for the comments. On Dec. 6, before he stepped down as the Oscars host, Kevin wrote on Instagram in part, “Stop looking for reasons to be negative…Stop searching for reasons to be angry…Please take your negative energy and put it into something constructive. Please…what’s understood should never have to be said. I LOVE EVERYBODY…ONCE AGAIN EVERYBODY. If you choose to not believe me then that’s on you.” Eek.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEFNFalWgw/

In another previous Instagram post, Kevin said the Academy asked him to apologize for the old tweets, or they’d find another host. Kevin said he was going to “pass” on the apology, although he did apologize in the tweet above announcing he was stepping down from the gig. He also added on Twitter, “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.” Only time will tell if they do.