It was less than 72 hours ago when actor and comedian Kevin Hart expressed pride and excitement for fulfilling a career goal, now he has stepped away from hosting duties at this year’s Oscars.
According to Atlanta Constitution-Journal, Hart’s decision was in part because the Academy demanded he apologize for anti-gay Tweets he made around 2009 to 2011. Critics of the decision for Hart to host the annual event also cited his admittance of domestic abuse with his first wife. Hart, on social media Thursday, said he has already apologized for these jokes numerous times in the past and doesn’t want to have to go through that again.
His rationale for not doing the Oscar telecast early next year: “We feed Internet trolls and reward them. I’m not going to do it.”
“I’m sorry that I hurt people,” he said on Twitter. “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. “He added: “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.”
CLICK HERE to read more about Hart’s decision to walk away from the Oscars from the AJC.