Ellen endorsed Kevin Hart as this year’s Oscars host—and there’s (justified) backlash
In early December, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced that Kevin Hart would be hosting the 2019 Academy Awards. But less than 48 hours later, Hart stepped down from the role amid backlash for homophobic tweets he wrote nearly 10 years ago—and his initial refusal to apologize for them. Now, Ellen DeGeneres has endorsed Hart for the hosting gig.
In a January 4th segment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the TV host defended the comedian, even revealing that she had called the Academy and urged them to reinstate Hart as this year’s host. When Hart said that the resurfaced tweets had constituted an attack on him, DeGeneres seemed to agree, telling him to ignore the “haters.” She also pointed out that he had already apologized for his past remarks.
"As a gay person, I am sensitive to all of that. You’ve already expressed that it's not being educated on the subject, not realizing how dangerous those words are, not realizing how many kids are killed for being gay or beaten up every day," she said. "You have grown, you have apologized, you are apologizing again right now. You’ve done it. Don’t let those people win—host the Oscars."
I believe in forgiveness. I believe in second chances. And I believe in @KevinHart4real. pic.twitter.com/oJxfGXhU4P
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2019
When the Academy asked Hart to apologize or step down from the hosting role in December, he initially responded with an Instagram video explaining that he “chose to pass on the apology” because he had already apologized in the past. He later tweeted an apology to the LGBTQ community when he announced that he would no longer be hosting.
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.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018
However, many feel that DeGeneres’s comments missed the mark.
I also believe in forgiveness. But I also believe that forgiveness requires an actual apology. Not “I’m sorry people are so sensitive.” Just “I am sorry.” All he had to do. And he indignantly refused because he felt his moment was being tainted. That he was the aggrieved.
— Eamon Paton-Usry (@Eamon2Please) January 4, 2019
Because he "apologized" in the past, everyone was supposed to know about that? Most people didn't know who he was until it was announced he was hosting Oscars. All he had to do was apologize (even if was a "repeat" apology, it would be new info for most of us). But, he refused.
— Zachary Sire (@ZacharySire) January 4, 2019
false
Others noted that DeGeneres doesn’t speak for the entire LGBTQ community. false
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/1081204984014872577
.@TheEllenShow used her platform to rally for Kevin Hart to host the Oscars again.
White people in the LGBTQ community are always trying to speak FOR and ON BEHALF of the rest of us — especially Black and brown LGBTQ.
Why not let Black and brown LGBTQ weigh in on your show? https://t.co/DMpm0kbhc1
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) January 4, 2019
Kevin is “sorry”, not apologetic, and not trying to undo the negative and hateful thoughts that fueled those “jokes”. Shame on you Ellen for allowing him to slap the black LGBTQ+, again. It’s not your place to forgive him.
— BB (@ahealingbreeze) January 4, 2019
I love that Ellen has decided to forgive Kevin Hart on behalf of all of us in the LGBTQ community as well.
— AmyD (@amydipa) January 4, 2019
Even with DeGeneres’s endorsement, Hart’s comments—and his unwillingness to acknowledge why they were so damaging—are still deeply problematic. We understand DeGeneres’ intentions, but also recognize that she doesn’t speak for all those Hart hurt with his words.
