Eddie Murphy has dropped out as the host of the 84th Annual Academy Awards, just one day after pal Brett Ratner resigned as producer amid a furor over a gay slur he made during a movie q&a session last week.
Murphy, who was signed on by Ratner to host the awards, issued a statement Wednesday, saying, “First and foremost, I want to say I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards.”
“I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job,” he said.
Academy president Tom Sherak responded to the news, saying, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.
The Oscars will be telecast February 26 on ABC.
photo: WENN