Brett Ratner, best known for directing the “Rush Hour” movies and producing FOX’s “Prison Break”, decided to officially resign as a producer of the 2012 Academy Awards after he sparked controversy with the use of homophobic slur during a media event for the movie “Tower Heist” over the weekend.

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When asked a fan question, the 42 year-old declared, “Rehearsal is for f*gs.” Ratner deeply regretted his words and quickly offered his apologies in an open letter. He also announced he would be resigning from his upcoming gig because he doesn’t want his comments to be a distraction from the Oscars.

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Ratner wrote: “Over the last few days, I’ve gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone I’ve hurt and offended, I’d like to apologize publicly and unreservedly.”

“Everyone who knows me knows that I don’t have a prejudiced bone in my body. But as a storyteller I should have been much more thoughtful about the power of language and my choice of words. So many artists and craftspeople in our business are members of the LGBT community, and it pains me deeply that I may have hurt them. I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter.”

Good decision. Ratner would have most likely been fired, if he hadn’t resigned. Too bad Ratner learned his lesson (“words do matter”) too late since his job is basically based on the words written by screenwriters. He should know better.

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Ratner continued, “Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents.”

“I deeply regret my actions and I am determined to learn from this experience.”

Ratner has already contacted GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and will soon start to work with them in upcoming series of public discussions on anti-LGBT jokes and slurs used in films and on television.

Meanwhile, Tom Sherak, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, issued the following statement:

“[Brett] did the right thing for the Academy and for himself. Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent.”

Hasta la vista, baby!

[image: wenn.com]