‘Insensitive’ Hart quits

– Comedian Kevin Hart on Thursday stepped down from hosting the 2019 Oscar ceremony after “insensitive words” about the LGBTQ community he tweeted in the past appeared online.

The 39-year-old comedian and Ride Along actor had announced on Tuesday that he would host the Academy Awards, the film industry’s highest honours.

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars ... 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 said in a tweet on Thursday.

“I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, was not immediately available for comment.

Hart, who also starred in last year’s film Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, would have followed talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel who hosted the Oscars this year and last year. The Oscars will take place on February 24.