Oscars Not Replacing Kevin Hart, Making the First Show Without a Host Since 1989
Kevin Hart stepped down as the host for the Oscars within days of being offered the position. He was the subject of a scandal as homophobic comments he made on Twitter between 2009 and 2011 came under public scrutiny. The situation escalated to the point that the Oscars told him to either apologize publicly or step down. Hart opted to step down but made an apology anyway, stating that the scandal would be the focus and not the awards had he chosen to stay on as the host.
His exact tweet read: “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.”
It was officially decided that there would be no replacement for Hart and instead, the show will feature various A-List stars to present different segments. Insiders have reported that the producers also have plans for skits and musical numbers, the latter of which are due to the success of movies such as “A Star Is Born.”
These unique circumstances mean that the Academy Awards will not have a host for the first time in 30 years since March 1989. Some might remember that this is the same show that featured a widely mocked musical number in its opening, starring Rob Lowe and Snow White.
Meanwhile, Hart has been asked about the situation during his talk show appearances. For example, on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen showed support by encouraging him to resume the position and accepting his apology for the remarks. Ellen, being an openly gay celebrity, stated that the people behind the scandal were just a vocal minority and that he’s apologized enough times already. Hart shared on the show that the tweets resurfacing as he was made the host was an intentional attack on his character.
Hart has been asked about hosting on other occasions as well and each time, he’s stated that he appreciated the opportunity but has since moved on and doesn’t plan on changing his mind regarding the matter.
Losing Hart as a host is no doubt a blow to the Oscars as they were relying on his appearance to help boost their consistently declining ratings.
The award show is slated for Sunday, February 24th at 8 pm ET on the ABC network, a mere 6 weeks away.