Kevin Hart steps down from hosting Oscars

Kevin Hart said he was stepping down from hosting the Oscars next year.

The actor-comedian said in a tweet that he did not want to distract from other artists and apologized to the LGBT community for past remarks.

Hart had drawn ire for homophobic tweets he had made in the past, an issue that erupted again ever since he announced he had been chosen to host the 2019 Academy Awards.

In his tweet on Thursday, Hart wrote, "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."

Hart also expressed his remorse over hurting people in a second tweet.

"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.