Lesbian talk show host Ellen DeGeneres called the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to request Kevin Hart be reinstated as the 2019 Oscars host after homophobic jokes of his resurfaced, reported Gay Star News.
Hart stepped down from the role in December and the awards show still doesn’t have a replacement. After homophobic tweets and comments of his from the past resurfaced, the Academy asked he publicly apologize or be removed as host. He originally said he wouldn’t apologize on social media, but eventually did when he stepped down.
DeGeneres said she believes Hart deserves a second chance on social media.
I believe in forgiveness. I believe in second chances. And I believe in @KevinHart4real. pic.twitter.com/oJxfGXhU4P
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2019
DeGeneres had Hart on her show to have an “incredible and honest conversation” about the Oscars controversy, where she revealed she had called the Academy to ask for Hart’s reinstatement.
Hart announced the interview on Instagram: “Trust me when I tell you that you won’t want to miss tomorrow’s episode. This was by far the most raw/honest and authentic interview I have ever down. We talk about the Oscar controversy in depth. Make sure you tune in!!”
In the interview, Hart said the controversy had soiled his reputation.
“So now the slander on my name is all homophobia,” he said. “So now I’m a little upset. Because I know who I am. I know I don’t have a homophobic bone in my body. I don’t want to have this conversation anymore, because… I’m not that guy.”
DeGeneres agreed, showing support for her long-time friend.
“I know you’re not that guy, because I know you,” she said. “You’ve grown, you’ve apologized, you’re apologizing again right now, you’ve done it. Don’t let those people win, host the Oscars.”