Kevin Hart’s old tweets have been called insensitive by the LGBTQ community. They resurfaced after Hart was announced to be the host for the 2019 Oscars.
Kevin Hart was publicly criticized after a series of homophobic tweets resurfaced, resulting in him apologizing on various talk shows and stepping down as host for the 2019 Academy Awards.
In one of Hart’s 2011 tweets, he said, “Yo, if my son comes home & tries to play with my daughter’s doll house, I’m going to break it over his head & say in my voice, ‘Stop, that’s gay.’ The statement sparked strong criticism, specifically from the LGBTQ community.
Hart has attempted to apologize for his past tweets, and has said he wishes to move on. After the backlash, Hart went on “Ellen†to admit his wrongs and explain his withdrawal from being the Oscars host. Ellen DeGeneres urged him to rethink his decision. Hart also apologized on ABC, his radio show, “Laugh Out Loud,†and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.â€
There are mixed reactions about the comedian’s old tweets and public apologies. Some think Hart should be forgiven while others believe it was not sincere.
Jamal Jones, a committee member of the UofM’s Black Student Association did not think Hart’s apology was sincere.
“When he was on Ellen, he was more over-worried about saving the whole Oscar gig, so I didn’t feel like it was sincere,†Jones said. “He wouldn’t have to apologize so many times if he meant the apology the first time he said it.â€
Jones also said he thinks it was smart for Hart to no longer host the award ceremony, especially because Hart did not seem remorseful for his actions.
“I felt like the entire situation could have been avoided if he would have apologized,†Jones said. “The tweets were very contradictory of his behavior. Him not being able to be the host of the Oscars is very deserving.â€
Iasia Peoples, a Stonewall Tigers committee member and a political science and philosophy major shared Jones’s viewpoint.
“He apologized, but to some LGBTQ people, especially LGBTQ black people it felt empty,†Peoples said. “The things that he said are not only harmful and violent, it encourages violence over LGBTQ children, not just LGBTQ people.â€
Peoples said it is important for Hart’s situation to make an example of him to other celebrities.
“I feel like the public needs to be shown, especially celebrities who think they are untouchable, if you do certain things that are bigoted there will be consequences for them and your money will be affected,†Peoples said. “We will not hire and we will not advertise people who are homophobic and people who are bigoted.â€
A host for the 2019 Oscars has not been announced yet. The broadcast of the ceremony is set to air Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. on ABC.
