As reported by NBC news, a day after Academy Award telecast producer Brett Ratner resigned amid his controversial use of a homophobic slur and a series of explicit radio and TV interviews, host Eddie Murphy has announced he, too, is leaving the show.
“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,” Murphy says in a statement. “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.”
Academy President Tom Sherak responded, saying, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.”
The show will now be seeking a new producer and host only a few short months before its February 26, 2012 air date.
Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/entertainment/celebrity/Eddie-Murphy-Steps-Down-As-Oscar-Host-133549808.html#ixzz1dEkzOxzY
