What Did Kevin Hart Say to Step Down

Kevin Hart stepped down as host of the 2019 Academy Awards and apologized for homophobic comments from a decade ago, two days after he was announced every bit the show'southward host.

"I take made the pick to step downwards from hosting this year's Oscar'southward….this is because I practise not desire to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists," Hart said on Twitter. "I sincerely repent to the LGBTQ customs for my insensitive words from my past."

"I'm sorry that I hurt people," he continued. "I am evolving and want to continue to practise and so. My goal is to bring people together non tear us apart. Much dearest & appreciation to the University. I hope we tin see again."

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The Academy of Move Picture Arts and Sciences did non respond to multiple requests for annotate from TheWrap.

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Earlier Thursday nighttime, Hart refused what he said was an ultimatum from the Academy to repent, or step down as host. Hart previously apologized for the comments in 2015.

"I simply got a phone call from the academy and that call basically said, 'Kevin, apologize for your tweets of quondam or we're going to have to move on and find another host.' They're talking virtually the tweets from 2009, 2010. I passed, I passed on the apology," Hart said in a video posted Thursday nighttime to Instagram.

"The reason why I passed is I've addressed information technology several times. That's 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," Hart continued. "I'thou not gonna continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I've moved on. I'm in a completely dissimilar space in my life."

Uproar erupted Wednesday after several old tweets and an erstwhile stand-up routine containing homophobic content were resurfaced post-obit the declaration Hart would host next twelvemonth'south event.

Hart deleted the tweets on Wed.

A person with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap Wednesday night that Hart's team has been in talks with GLAAD, the country'southward largest LGBTQ media watchdog grouping. The individual asked not to be named.

Also Read: Kevin Hart Has Deleted Old Anti-Gay Tweets Since Landing Oscar Hosting Gig

In an Instagram video earlier Wednesday, Hart told his followers:"I swear man, our world is becoming across crazy. I'm not going to permit the craziness frustrate me."

"I'thousand almost 40 years old, if y'all don't believe people change, grow evolve as the go older, I don't know what to tell yous," he said defiantly.

A longtime GLAAD board member, Anthony Watson, who noted that he did not speak on behalf of the organisation, chosen for Hart's firing.

"I'1000 sick and tired of homophobes who are called out for their vile behavior and instead of apologizing they brand light of what is an incredibly dangerous situation," Watson said. "Literally hundreds of LGBT people around the world are murdered for who they are. Kevin Hart'southward lack of an apology and lack of understanding speak volumes, in item his condoning violence against his ain children should they exist blest with existence gay."

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Watson also slammed the Academy for "not conducting its due diligence."

"I promise the Academy makes the right decision and replaces Kevin Hart immediately," he said.