Hannah Gadsby calls fellow stand-up comic Kevin Hart’s departure as Oscars host ‘a lost opportunity’
4,020 views · Published 15 December 2018 · 1:51 · Indexed 4 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · Entertainment
(10 Dec 2018) HANNAH GADSBY CALLS FELLOW STAND-UP COMIC KEVIN HART'S DEPARTURE AS OSCARS HOST 'A LOST OPPORTUNITY' Comedian Hannah Gadsby said that Kevin Hart's departure as Oscars' host is 'a lost opportunity'. The rockstar comedian stepped down from the Oscars' gig following an outcry over previous anti-gay tweets. His initial response to criticism over the resurfaced postings further inflamed the backlash. "I've met Kevin Hart once and I found him to be incredibly constructive as a human, like really", said Godsby, "It was at the Montreal Comedy festival and he made sure everyone in the room was seen and heard and he's been a great support for a lot of women in color in comedy. His apology remains, it's underwhelming but I think it's a lost opportunity because I think Kevin Hart, he has what it takes to be a bridge, you know?" On Thursday (6 DEC 2018), Hart wrote on Instagram that critics should "stop being negative" after years-old tweets surfaced in which he used homophobic slurs. In an accompanying video, a shirtless Hart said he wasn't going to "let the craziness frustrate me." Hart said he "loves everybody." Gadsby, an openly gay comedian who's recounted in the past how difficult it was to come out in her native country of New Zealand, said Hart could've used this situation as a learning lesson for all. Gadsby said Hart could "bridge those things that he once said and to a certain point believed, that he no longer does. I think it's a lost moment that could've been a really constructive bridge." The Academy is currently looking for a new host. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/abe9686b4ece536c0f3856b9af4e7bc1
