Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has stepped down as host of the 91st Oscars following controversy over anti-gay tweets from about 10 years ago.

Hart had constantly addressed the comments, saying he’s now a changed man.

Following the backlash after his Wednesday announcement as host by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hart posted a video on Instagram, saying:

“My team calls me, ‘Oh my God, Kevin, everyone’s upset by tweets you did years ago’. Guys, I’m nearly 40 years old. If you don’t believe that people change, grow, evolve as they get older, I don’t know what to tell you. If you want to hold people in a position where they always have to justify the past, do you. I’m the wrong guy, man.”

People called him out, saying that wasn’t an apology.

Hours later, Hart posted another video, saying the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had given him an ultimatum: apologise or they’ll find another host.

“I chose to pass on the apology. The reason why I passed is because I’ve addressed this several times. This is not the first time this has come up. I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then. I’ve done it. I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different place in my life,” Kevin said in the video.

Later on the comedian posted a tweet saying he’s decided to step down. He then apologised to the LGBTQ community for his “insensitive words from (his) past”.
“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.

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,” he wrote.