Kevin Hart is reflecting on how he could’ve handled the Oscars hosting position better a year after controversy forced him to resign.
When resurrected tweets and stand-up material featuring homophobic language and sentiments caused Hart, 40, to resign, he was set to host the Academy Awards in 2019. Hart says he now understands why his statements enraged so many people in a recent interview with Men’s Health.
“There was a tremendous difference between what I believed the problem was and what the problem actually was with the Oscars,” he remarked. “I had ten years when I made it a point not to joke or play as I did back then because it was a problem.” It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re gay or not.
I’m a person who enjoys interacting with others. Regardless, I’m going to love you. I didn’t understand what was going on until close friends like Wanda Sykes, Lee Daniels, and Ellen DeGeneres spoke to me and clarified what they hadn’t heard me say. Then I realized, ‘Oh s—, I’m fed up.’
Many members of the LGBTQ community began using the hashtag #OscarsSoHomophobic when Hart was announced as the presenter of the 2019 ceremony, which revived past tweets in which Hart used anti-gay terminology.
Also circulated was a tape from Hart’s 2010 comedy special Seriously Funny, in which he made a homophobic comment. “One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and becoming gay,” Hart stated at the time.
That is a concern. Please note that I am not homophobic. Be content. Do whatever you want. But if I can keep my son from becoming gay as a straight male, I will.”
Hart later appeared on The Ellen Show, where he stated that he had previously apologized for his words and that the fresh scandal was an “attempt to end me.”
He said to Ellen, “I know who I am.” “I’m confident that I don’t have a single homophobic bone in my body.” I’m sure I’ve addressed it and apologized. I’m quite aware that it’s taken me ten years to put my apologies into action.
I’ve yet to return to the version of the immature comedian I used to be. I’ve gone on with my life. I’m well-educated. I’m made in a factory. Now I’m a man who understands. I see life through a different lens, and as a result, I conduct my life differently.”
“I had to address it, apologize, and say I understand what those comments mean and how they hurt,” Hart went on to remark.
“I understand why people are unhappy, which is why I have decided to stop using them.” I don’t make jokes like that anymore because it’s inappropriate. That was a person who was just seeking a good chuckle, and I no longer do that.”
Hart’s latest self-reflection follows a terrifying vehicle accident in early September of last year, in which he had significant spinal injuries that necessitated emergency surgery.
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The accident and his subsequent time in the hospital, according to the actor, made him realize that he wanted to spend more time with his family, which includes wife Eniko Parrish, and children Hendrix, 12, Heaven, 14, and Kenzo Kash, 212.
“To be honest, there was a lot I wasn’t doing,” he admitted. “Right now, I’m doing a lot of small but essential things.” Before and after dinner, I’m sitting with the kids. Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays, Thursdays are Mexican food, and Sundays are Chinese food.
Twice a week, we had a movie night. I’m out walking my f—ing dog right now. “I’m going to get some puppy s—.”
