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Kevin Hart says he's 'done' apologising for Oscars controversy: 'I'm over it'

Hart says the controversy regarding his past homophobic statements will get 'no more energy' from him

Clémence Michallon
New York
Wednesday 09 January 2019 13:23 EST
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Kevin Hart says he is 'over' his Oscars controversy

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Kevin Hart says he’s ‘done’ apologising over his ongoing Oscars controversy.

The comedian told Michael Strahan on Good Morning America on Wednesday that the matter would get “no more energy” from him, adding: ‘I’m over it.’

Hart dropped out of his Oscars hosting gig in December 2018, after past tweets in which he made homophobic statements resurfaced. An appearance by Hart on Ellen DeGeneres’s show last week prompted some speculation that he might return as host after all, though recent reports say the comedian is currently inclined not to do so.

His interview on Wednesday appeared to confirm that Hart is determined to stop discussing the controversy altogether.

Good Morning America anchor Strahan tried to get him to elaborate on his past comments and apologies, but was met with a firm rebuttal from the comedian.

“I’m done with it,” Hart told Strahan. “It gets no more energy from me.”

He added: “There’s no more conversation about it. I’m literally – I’m over that. I’m over the moment. And I’m about today.”

Strahan asked Hart how his beliefs have changed over time, and once again Hart refused to discuss the matter further.

“I have explained how I’ve evolved, which makes me say, ‘I’m over it,'" he said.

"I’m not saying how I’ve changed any more. I'm not saying what I've done and what the new me is.

"I’m not giving no more explanation of who I am. I’ve done it. I've done it several times.

"I've tweeted it. I've talked about it when I went on Ellen. I said it on my radio show. I'm just done."

When Strahan asked Hart how he things LGBTQ youth might have been affected by his comments, Hart reiterated that he has addressed the issue and said "everything that he could possibly say".

The interview with Strahan took place on ABC, the same network that airs the Academy Awards ceremony.

Ellen DeGeneres tells Kevin Hart 'he should still host the Oscars'

Back when Hart announced he would be stepping down as Oscars host, he tweeted: "I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscars...

"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 apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."

It is unclear whether the Oscars, which are scheduled for 24 February, will have a host this year.

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DeGeneres previously urged the Academy to reinstate Hart – a move the Academy would have been open to his return, according to Deadline.

But Hart reportedly decided against it because he felt his presence would constitute a distraction.

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