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Report: Oscars to go without a host in 2019 following Kevin Hart controversy
It won't be Kevin Hart hosting the Oscars in 2019. In fact, it won't be anyone.
According to a report from Variety , the Academy Awards won't feature a singular host for the first time since 1989.
Instead of featuring one single host, the show will rely on a group of actors and celebrities who will introduce various segments and awards.
Hart was originally tapped to host the Oscars in December. However, soon after he was announced as host, social media users dregged up decade-old tweets containing homophobic slurs and articles featuring homophobic language. Hart quickly deleted the old posts, but screenshots live on.
A few days after his old tweets went viral, Hart claims the Academy asked that he apologize. He choose not to, instead saying in an Instagram that he chooses not to live in the past, refusing to "feed Twitter trolls."
A day later, Hart announced he was formally turning down the hosting gig.
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.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018
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.
Last week, Hart when on "Ellen" to discuss the controversy. DeGeneres offered her support for Hart.
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
The Oscars 2020 | 92nd Academy Awards