Academy says Kevin Hart Still Welcome to Host Oscars, Ellen Approved [WATCH]

Photo by Phillip Faraone | Getty Images

Controversy around Kevin Hart hosting the 2019 Oscars has been a big talk of social media. The good news was announced in December last year, which Hart had said was on his list of dreams he wanted to accomplish in his lifetime. While most people were supportive of the comedian, homophobic tweets resurfaced from 10 years ago that caused Hart to step down from the opportunity. Some of the tweets can be read in the previous blog post.

In an interview with Variety, Hart told them that he is definitely stepping down from the hosting position. But Leadership at the Academy are still willing to have Hart host, if he says still wants it, which Ellen DeGeneres also reveals in her interview with Hart.

According to Ellen an unnamed person at the Academy said, “We want him to host. We feel like he may have misunderstood or it was handled wrong or maybe it was handled wrong. But we want him to host. Whatever we can do, we want him to host.”

Continuing in his interview with Ellen, Hart feels as if he is taking away from everyone’s big night if he decides to go through with it. He went on to say that headlines have misconstrued the situation, leaving out that apologized 10 years ago when it first happened and he had to address it.

However, Hart does apologize once again on Ellen saying, “I’d much rather step down and apologize again while stepping down. Once again, I’m sorry if these words hurt. I’m sorry. But either my apology is accepted or isn’t. Either I can move forward or I can’t. But you can’t grow as a person unless you make mistakes.”

Ellen made several tweets backing up Kevin Hart, after her interview with him:

I had an incredible and honest conversation with @KevinHart4real about hosting the #Oscars. It was supposed to air on Monday. I don’t want you to have to wait, so now it’s gonna air tomorrow.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2019

I believe in forgiveness. I believe in second chances. And I believe in @KevinHart4real. pic.twitter.com/oJxfGXhU4P

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2019

In this conversation, @KevinHart4real was authentic and real, and I’m in his corner. #OscarsNeedHart https://t.co/nhMwSefrMl

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2019

According to Variety, Hart is still at the top of the list but producers need to make a decision. Whether Hart voices his decision or not, Academy producer Donna Gigliotti and her team are planning the show with or without him.

Watch Hart’s interview with Ellen, below: