Kevin Hart drops out as Oscars host after refusing Academy's demand to apologize for anti-gay tweets

The Hollywood Reporter

The comedian did apologize for his old homophobic tweets, but only after stepping down via Twitter. Shortly before making his announcement, Hart posted an Instagram video from Australia, where he is on tour, saying he had refused a demand from the Academy to apologize. Hart said the Academy gave him an ultimatum: apologize for his old tweets or step down as Oscars host. "I passed," he said. "The reason I passed is because I've addressed this several times. This is not the first time this has come up. Regardless, to the Academy, I'm thankful for the opportunity, if it goes away, no harm, no foul." Shortly after the video was posted, Hart stepped down. "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," he tweeted. "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past." He added in a second tweet: "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."