The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Hart quits Oscar host role
● Comedian steps aside as controversial LGBT tweets resurface
Comedian Billy Eichner has said “toxic masculinity is real” after Kevin Hart stepped down as host of the 2019 Academy Awards amid controversy over alleged homophobic tweets he posted nearly a decade ago.
The US comedian and actor was named as the host of the Oscars on Tuesday, describing the role as “the opportunity of a lifetime”, but shortly after his appointment tweets resurfaced, originally posted between 2009 and 2011, which contained offensive language towards the LGBT community.
Amid a growing controversy and after refusing the Academy’s request to apologise, Hart announced on Twitter he was stepping aside.
He said: “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 apologise 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.”
Eichner, star of Billy On The Street and American Horror Story, said: “I’ve been around in this business for a minute. As one of very few openly gay men in comedy who’s fortunate enough to work as much as I do, I will ALWAYS fight for my LGBTQ community to get the respect we deserve. ALWAYS.”
He added: “I’m no saint. We just wanted a little understanding, a little explanation. Apologies are tough - they leave you vulnerable. Toxic masculinity is real. I deal with it in my own way too. So on that note, I appreciate @KevinHart4real apologising. And apology accepted. That’s all.”
He joked that he would not rest until the Oscars were hosted by the cast of comingout movie Love Simon, the ghost of gay rights activist Harvey Milk and the “entire executive board of Planned Parenthood”.
However, Ricky Gervais appeared to think Hart was wrong to say sorry, writing on Twitter: “The only time I’m offended by a comedian is when they apologise.”
The Academy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hart’s decision to quit will leave all eyes on who the Academy approach to replace him at the ceremony which will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday February 24.