New York - Kevin Hart says he has stepped down as Oscars host following an outcry over previous anti-gay tweets by the comedian.
Kevin posted an apology to the LGBTQ+ community on Twitter on Friday.
He said he stepped down so as not to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.
On Thursday, Kevin wrote on Instagram that critics should "stop being negative" after years-old tweets surfaced in which he used homophobic slurs.
In an accompanying video, a shirtless Hart said he wasn't going to "let the craziness frustrate me." Hart said he "loves everybody."
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The gay media watchdog group GLAAD said it has reached out to Oscars broadcaster ABC, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and Hart's management to "discuss Kevin's anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and record."
In a 2010 stand-up special, Hart said "if I can prevent my son from being gay, I will.