Actor/stand-up comedian Eddie Murphy, who was set to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards next year, has quit after producer Brett Ratner resigned over a homophobic remark he made while promoting his movie “Tower Heist” over the past weekend.

Oscars Producer Brett Ratner Resigns After Use Of Gay Slur

Eddie Murphy released the following statement:

“First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. 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.”

The President of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Tom Sherak, confirmed the 50 year-old actor would no longer be hosting, noting: “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.”

Brett apparently convinced Eddie to accept the Oscars hosting job. So with the producer out of the picture, it didn’t make sense for Eddie to continue. It was probably not a good decision – Eddie is basically paying for Brett’s mistakes.

Anyhow, replacements for producer and host should not be too hard to find. No names have been announced yet. The 2012 Oscars will air on ABC on February 26, 2012.

[image: HRC/wenn.com]