After all the hubbub, Kevin Hart may be out of the running to host the 2019 Oscars—again. A new report suggests that the continued spotlight on Harts past homophobic tweets, and the negative reaction to his recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres has left the Academy once again in search of a new host—or several—for the February 24 ceremony.
Thats according to Deadline, which notes that the “situation is still fluid and he could possibly change his mind, [but] this looks like his final answer.” Hart pledged to reconsider the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences renewed invitation to host the Oscars, following an Ellen appearance in which the talk-show host was revealed to have lobbied on his behalf. Over the weekend, Hart seemingly dug in on that possibility with an Instagram post reading, “When did we get to the point where we forgot that we all learn, then we all have the ability to grow and with that growth comes a wealth of knowledge. You cant change without a understanding of what GROWTH means.”
Harts interview with DeGeneres was widely derided by fans, media, and the LGBTQ community alike, who took issue with a prominent gay figure like DeGeneres dismissing Harts critics as “haters” and internet trolls. “I know I dont have a homophobic bone in my body,” Hart told DeGeneres during the segment. “I know that Ive addressed it; I know that Ive apologized . . . Ive taken 10 years to put my apology to work. I have yet to go back to that version of the immature comedian that once was.” Harts lack of convincing apology also earned an address from CNNs Don Lemon, who urged the comedian to commit more deeply to being an LGBTQ ally.
The report also suggests the Academy is again looking toward an Oscars telecast without any single host, and “has been quietly lining up stars to help out.” Its even theorized that Hart may participate in some small role, despite insisting his presence—along with the subsequent controversy—would distract from the nights honors.
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