Kevin Hart Still Upset About Oscars Scandal: ‘I Don’t Have A Homophobic Bone In My Body!'
Comedian explains he ditched the awards show after aggressive ultimatum.
Jan. 4 2019, Updated 2:11 p.m. ET
Just days after it was announced Kevin Hart would be hosting the Oscars, a collection of insulting and homophobic tweets which he wrote about ten years ago resurfaced. At first, the funnyman refused to apologize, but after much backlash, he said sorry and stepped down from his gig.
Now, talking to Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian is explaining why.
“Now the slander on my name is homophobia. Now I’m a little upset. I’m a little upset because I know who I am. I don’t have a homophobic bone in my body. I know that I’ve addressed it, I know that I’ve apologized,” said Hart, 39, reliving the dramatic incident.
The comedian told DeGeneres, 60, in the interview that his first reaction was a bit harsh, but it was only because he’s spent the past 10 years trying to prove that he is accepting and mature — and the world did not listen.
The social media hate grew in the matter of minutes, and just hours after his tweets resurfaced, the Academy gave him an ultimatum and told him to either step down or apologize.
“I don’t wanna step on that stage and make that night about me and my past when you got people that have worked hard to step on that stage for the first time and receive an award. I’m now taking away from all those moments because the night is focused on something else now,” explained Hart.
It’s because of that, he said, that he chose to apologize again while ditching the prestigious awards show gig.
“I felt like it was a conversation that was going to continue and continue and continue. I would much rather say ‘I’m sorry’ again and walk away. Because I wanna be done with the conversation. I don’t wanna have to have this conversation anymore because I know who I am. I’m not that guy,” he assured.
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“I know you’re not that guy, cause I know you,” agreed DeGeneres.
The show host then said she had called the Academy and asked them to let Hart host — which they apparently agreed to, saying it was his choice.
Will Kevin Hart be hosting the Oscars after all? Let us know your thoughts below.
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