Kevin Hart Steps Down as 91st Oscars Host

Welcome to the family, the Academy tweeted.

Within days of announcing that he would be hosting the 2019 Oscars, actor-comedian Kevin Hart has stepped down as the award show’s host after earlier homophobic comments surfaced on social media. He made the announcement on Twitter, and apologised to the LGBTQ community.

“This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists,” Hart wrote. “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”

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

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.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

Both The Academy and Hart had announced earlier in the week that he would host the 91st Academy Awards ceremony on 24 February 2019.

View this post on Instagram

For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same...I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time....To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time....I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ....now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

Producers Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss were to oversee the show.

Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real! #Oscars https://t.co/vfcxAeJlwQ

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 5, 2018

"I'm so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the #Oscars." - @KevinHart4real

So are we. pic.twitter.com/DzZaKpdnYW

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 5, 2018