They say the internet never forgets, such is the case with Kevin Hart’s recent online travail, which has forced him to step down from being next year’s Oscars host.
The LGBTQ community came after Hart for being homophobic after he was announced as the host of the Oscars. The tweet, from a decade ago, which caused a firestorm in Hart’s camp was tagged hate speech by the community.
In one of the tweets from 2011, that has now been deleted, the comedian-actor said, “Yo if my son comes home & try’s 2 play with my daughter’s dollhouse I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay’.”
The other tweets contained a repetitive use of the word ‘fag’ which is a homosexual slur.
Kevin who initially refused to address the issue said he had addressed it years ago, but we know when trolls want blood, they go for the jugular. Boasting of his own self-improvement, his initial Instagram message on Thursday read, “You LIVE and YOU LEARN & YOU GROW & YOU MATURE.”
Unable to handle the heat (and the ultimatum given by the Academy), Hart publicly apologised in a series of tweets and decided to step down as the host of the event.
His tweet read, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s,” Hart, who is currently performing in Sydney, Australia, announced late Sunday on Twitter. “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. 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.”