Eddie Murphy has bowed out as host of the upcoming Oscars, one day after producer Brett Ratner, who had lured the comedian into the role, also exited following an uproar over his use of a gay slur.
According to Tom Sherak, the President Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Murphy didn’t want to continue as host after Ratner’s resignation
“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” Sherak said.
Ratner resigned after the hype over his anwer to a question about the new film he’s directing,
He was asked about rehearsals ahead of the film shoot, and he replied “rehearsing is for fags”.
He later apologised publicly, but gay rights groups and some members of the Academy took issue with his use of the slur.
“First and foremost, I want to say that I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony,” Murphy said in a statement.
“I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.”
Billy Crystal will be the one to replace Eddie Murphy,and he’ll be working with the co-producer of the Award ‘Don Mischer’