Eddie Murphy Pulls Out Of Oscar Hosting Gig

By Amber Goodhand - RadarOnline.com Reporter

First Brett Ratner, and now Eddie Murphy.

RadarOnline.com has learned that Murphy has officially withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards.

"I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well," the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak said in a statement.

Murphy commented: "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony.

“I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

Just yesterday Ratner resigned as producer of the awards show after he was blasted for using a homophobic slur and an outrageous and expletive-filled interview with Howard Stern.

"Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents," the famed filmmaker wrote in a letter published by TheWrap.com.

The Academy Awards are to be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles — but are now without a producer and host.

Who do you think should replace Murphy as the host? Leave your comments below...

RELATED STORIES:

Oscar Shocker! Brett Ratner Resigns In Wake Of Controversial Comments

Puss Gives Eddie Murphy The Boot At The Box Office

Trading Places: Eddie Murphy Goes From Oscars Nominee To Oscars Host

Will Eddie Murphy Swear While Hosting The Oscars? Return To SNL?