Uh oh! Kevin Hart took to social media on Thursday, Dec. 6 to reveal that he will no longer be hosting the 2019 Oscars, just hours after he posted about how The Academy asked him to apologize for the past homophobic remarks he’s made in standup comedy acts and on Twitter. He refused to back down from the hosting gig or apologize at the time.

But after a few hours, he seemed to have changed his mind. “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,” he wrote.

Kevin added, “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.”

Hours before that, he posted a video detailing why he “passed” on apologizing. “So I just got a call from The Academy. That call basically said, ‘Kevin, apologize for your tweets or we’re going to have to move on and find another host,'” he began. “The reason that I passed is I’ve addressed it several times. That’s not the first time this has come up. I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then. I’ve done it,” he explained.

“I’m not gonna continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on. I’m in a completely different space in my life,” Kevin continued. “I’m gonna be me and stand my ground. Regardless, The Academy I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away, no harm no foul.”

He previously took to Instagram on Tuesday, Dec. 4 to share the exciting news that he’d be hosting the 2019 Oscars! The 39-year-old shared a photo of the iconic gold statue with a touching message to his fans.

“For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same… I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s supposed to,” he wrote in the caption. “I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time… To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable.”

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For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same…I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time….To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time….I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ….now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on

He sweetly concluded, “I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time… I will be sure to make this year’s Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity… now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars.”

Fans immediately took to the comments to express their excitement. “You deserve it. You hustle so hard. Can’t wait!!!!” one wrote. Another added, “I am so proud of you Kev. Always humble and positive. Remember this there is no limit keep on pushing.” One commented, “Wonderful! Congratulations.”

Kevin Hart
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Past Oscars hosts include Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Rock, Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, Seth MacFarlane, Billy Crystal, James Franco, Anne Hathaway, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg, David Letterman, and Chevy Chase.

At this time, it’s unclear who will fill Kevin’s spot as host.

The 2019 Oscars (and the 90th award show!) will air on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. You don’t want to miss this one!