Kevin Hart responds to Oscars backlash

Kevin Hart has pleaded for understanding after his mooted return as Oscars host reignited the controversy about his past homophobic comments.

The 39-year-old funnyman appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Friday and chatted about his decision to quit the prestigious role due to criticism of his past tweets and routines mocking gay people.

DeGeneres revealed she had spoken to Academy bosses and asked Hart if he would consider returning to host, a conversation that sparked a backlash from members of the gay community, including CNN newsman Don Lemon, who said the star had failed to atone sufficiently for his past remarks.

In an Instagram post, Hart asked for the opportunity to learn from his comments and emphasized the importance of “growth” from past mistakes.

“Basketball players aren’t great until they LEARN how to play the game correctly,” he wrote, and listed other occupations, including chief executives and doctors, who have to learn before they become good at their jobs.