Oscars 2018: Kevin Hart steps down as host amid backlash from past homophobic tweets

Kevin Hart stepped down as Oscar host late Thursday following a crisis stemming from the comedian's refusal to apologize for his previous homophobic comments and tweets, USA Today reports.

"I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's....this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists," Hart wrote on Twitter, before uttering words he had refused to say just hours before. "I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."

The stunning move came after Hart became involved in a spiraling social media battle over his past tweets and his steadfast refusal to apologize for them.

His lack of remorse prompted an ultimatum from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — apologize or have your hosting duties revoked. In the span of hours, Hart had stepped down from the prestigious awards show hosting job.

The trouble actually started shortly after Hart triumphantly announced via Instagram Tuesday that he’d be hosting the 91st Academy Awards on Feb. 24.

Shortly thereafter, several Twitter users resurfaced past tweets from Hart where he tweeted words like "homo" and "gay." Per E! News, the since-deleted tweets date back to 2011.