Comedian Kevin Hart will not host the Oscars 2019 after backlash over 'homophobic' comments

Comedian Kevin Hart has announced that he will not host next year’s Oscars ceremony following a huge backlash over allegedly homophobic comments and tweets dating back to 2009.

The tweets, between 2009 and 2011, included derogatory language referring to gay people and disparaging comments about sexuality and gender. Some of the tweets have since been deleted.

One of the tweets from 2011, that has been deleted, said: "Yo if my son comes home & try's 2 play with my daughters doll house I'm going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice 'stop that's gay'."

On Friday Hart posted an apology to the LGBTQ community on Twitter for his “insensitive words” and confirmed he would not step into the coveted role of Oscar’s host as it would be “distraction”.

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars,” wrote Hart. “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 and appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”

Just hours before, Hart posted a video to Instagram saying he had received a call from the Academy telling him to apologise or he would be removed as host. Hart said he would not apologise.

“I chose to pass, I passed on the apology. The reason I chose to pass is because I’ve addressed this several times, this is not the first time this has come up, I’ve addressed this… 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 space in my life,” he said.

“Regardless, Academy, I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away no harm no foul.”