Kevin Hart steps down as host of the Oscars

The actor was only announced as the host on Tuesday but after three days of criticism has stepped down

Kevin Hart has stepped down as host of the next year's Academy Awards ceremony after facing a backlash over homophobic jokes the comedian has made in the past. Hart announced the decision to withdraw from the ceremony on Twitter on Friday morning, apologising to the LGBTQ community and stating that he did not want to be a 'distraction' at the event. “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars,” wrote Hart, who as well as his stand-up work has recently starred in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Night School. “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 and appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.” https://twitter.com/KevinHart4real/status/1070906075812118529 https://twitter.com/KevinHart4real/status/1070906121551007745 On Instagram, the actor also uploaded a video only hours earlier in which he explains that the Academy demanded a public apology for his homophobic tweets from 2009 and 2010, a public apology Hart believes isn't necessary as he has addressed the controversy in the past. https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEjHFCFe83/ Some of the tweets Kevin Hart has faced criticism for can be found below as dug up by Guardian US editor Benjamin Lee, along with a sketch from his 2010 standup show Seriously Funny in which he riffs on his fear of his three-year-old son being gay that also resurfaced. https://twitter.com/benfraserlee/status/1070413541012893696 Chad Griffin, the head of an LGBT civil rights advocacy group called the Human Rights Campaign, responded to Hart on Twitter with the following message: "You have a rare opportunity to take responsibility, teach people in this moment, & send a message to LGBTQ youth that they matter & deserve dignity & respect. You say you've grown. Show us. Make amends for hurtful things you've said & affirm LGBTQ people."