Kevin Hart steps down as Oscars host after uproar over old tweets

The Academy Awards is looking for a host – again – after comedian Kevin Hart said he is stepping down from the role to avoid being “a distraction.”

Hart made the announcement on Twitter following public outcry over past homophobic tweets made by the comedian.

According to Hart, the Academy asked him to apologize for the tweets or quit.

He said he passed on the apology because he had already addressed the issue. But he did later apologize on Twitter saying, “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.”

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

According to The Associated Press, Hart deleted some of the anti-gay tweets, mostly dated from 2009-2011. But they had already been screen-captured and been shared online. In 2011, he wrote in a since-deleted tweet, “Yo if my son comes home & try’s 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay.”

In an earlier post Thursday, Hart wrote on Instagram that critics should “stop being negative” about his earlier anti-gay remarks.

The Academy Awards will take place on Feb. 24.