Actor Kevin Hart (Night School, The Upside) sat down with Good Morning America's Michael Strahan to further discuss the swirling controversy over Hart's decade old homophobic tweets and his decision to step down from hosting the Oscars.
One thing is clear, Hart was absolutely correct when he told Strahan, "There is no ending to it."
The controversy seems to have taken on a life of its own with more and more celebrities being pulled into the vortex.
It all began with the announcement of Hart as the host of the 2019 Oscars. Almost immediately old homophobic tweets appeared online condemning Hart as the choice.
Hart then stepped down with a message saying:
"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."
Many felt it was too little too late.
While others felt Hart should not have had to apologize at all.
One person within the entertainment industry that didn't want to see Hart step down was talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, who came out in 1997.
She booked Hart on her popular show to discuss the issue.
Ellen Reveals She Called the Academy to Help Re-Hire Kevin Hart As Oscars Hostwww.youtube.com
Many folks were in agreement that Hart should reconsider hosting the Oscars.
Still other felt DeGeneres was wrong to give Hart the platform.
News anchor Don Lemon spoke to the issue on his CNN show pointing out why the DeGeneres interview was problematic and that DeGeneres doesn't speak for the entire LGBTQ community.
Don Lemon to Kevin Hart: Walking away right now is your choicewww.youtube.com
This too had opposing sides.
Now, it seems, Hart is over talking about it. In the Good Morning America interview with Strahan, he says:
"I'm over that. I'm over the moment, and I'm about today. So if it's accepted, great, and if it's not, it's nothing I can control."
This conversation does not seem to be ending anytime soon.
With all this talking, we hope there is some listening going on.
@GregAbbott_TX/X
