Kevin Hart steps down as Oscars host while in Sydney after outcry over old tweets

Comedian Kevin Hart is facing an international backlash over homophobic tweets, causing him to step down as Oscars host hours before taking the stage in front of a packed Sydney audience.

Comedian Kevin Hart has stepped down as host of the 2019 Academy Awards. Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez

Comedian Kevin Hart touched down in Sydney and immediately found himself embroiled in a gay hate storm that has forced him to sensationally quit his role as Oscars host.

The US star walked away from the high-profile gig at the world’s most glamorous awards ceremony — less than 48 hours after being named as host — after a furore over homophobic jokes he made in 2009 and 2010 erupted online.

Just touched down in Sydney Australia.....so pumped for tonight's show!!!!! Let's make it do what it do baby 😂

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

In two videos filmed in Sydney, Hart initially told his 66 million Instagram followers he would not apologise for jokes he made years ago and now recognises were inappropriate — and accused the Oscars organisers of giving him an ultimatum to apologise or leave.

But the comic then posted a series of tweets apologising to the LGBTQ community for “insensitive words from my past”.

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 apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

After being announced as Oscars host this week, Hart was taken to task online for saying during a 2010 show: “One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay.” In 2010 tweets that have since been deleted, Hart accused another actor of looking “like a gay billboard for AIDS” and used derogatory words for gay people.

In the first video he posted yesterday, Hart said he had been told of the furore online and added: “Guys, I’m nearly 40 years old. If you don’t believe that people change, grow, evolve as they get older, I don’t know what to tell you. If you want to hold people in a position where they always have to justify the past, do you. I’m the wrong guy, man.”

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.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

In the second video, he said: “I just got a call from the Academy and that call basically said, ‘Kevin, apologise for your tweets of old or we’re going to have to move on and find another host’.

“I chose to pass on the apology. The reason why I passed is because I’ve addressed this several times …

“I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then.

“I’ve done it. I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different space in my life.”

But the comic later said on Twitter he was stepping down from the Oscars because “I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.”

He said: “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.”

Hart’s fan-base was tearing itself apart on social media this evening, with legions of the comedian’s 34.6 million Twitter followers defending or criticising his behaviour.

“Just apologise and move on son,” said one user.

“You may be cash rich, but you’re morally poor,” said another critical user.

“You’re a disgusting human being, shame on you.”

Comedian Kevin Hart has stepped down as host of the 2019 Academy Awards. Picture: Kevin Winter

But others were quick to forgive the comedian, whose anti-gay comments have been a part of his stand-up routine for years.

“He don’t owe an apology for how he used to be,” one fan said.

“People are being ridiculous demanding apologies.”

“I am sure you will be awesome no matter what,” another fan tweeted.

“Have a great show.”

The comedian is due to perform in front of 20,000 Sydneysiders at Qudos Bank Arena tonight as part of the Australian leg of his ‘The Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour’.

It’s not the first time an Oscars host has been derailed by anti-gay remarks.

Ahead of the 2012 Academy Awards, producer Brett Ratner, who had been paired with host Eddie Murphy, resigned days after using a gay slur at a film screening.

Murphy soon after exited, as well.

That year, a tried-and-true Oscars veteran — Billy Crystal — jumped in to save the show, hosting for his eighth time.

This time, speculation has already been rampant that few in Hollywood want the gig, for which few win glowing reviews. The film academy moved up this year’s ceremony to February 24, giving producers little time to find a replacement.