Kevin Hartmay be out as Oscars host, but some of his friends and colleagues have shown their support for the comedian after the resurfacing of past homophobic tweets.
While Hart, 39, apologized for his previous remarks after stepping down as host on Thursday night, he shared a video on Instagram hours before that stating he would “stand my ground” and not apologize.
Ludacris, 41, shared the sentiment with a series of arm strength emojis, while Eastwood, 32, commented, “Love this.”
Reps for Anderson, Ludacris and Eastwood did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Kevin Hart Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEjHFCFe83/
Kevin Hart instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEjHFCFe83/
Hart’sNight SchoolcostarTiffany Haddishliked the actor’s earlier Instagram post where he initially addressed the controversy.
A rep for Haddish did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Saturday Night LivecomedianMichael Che defended Hart during the show’sWeekend Updatesegment, saying, “Well that was short,” referring to Hart’s stepping down just days after his announcement as Oscars host came out.
Kevin Hart instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEFNFalWgw/
“Didn’t the Academy nominate Mel Gibson for an award just last year?” Che continued, referring to the controversial racist statements the director-actor made years ago.
VCG/Getty; Daniel Zuchnik/Getty; Leon Bennett/WireImage
He was also supportive of a video Hart posted after the backlash had begun, where theNight Schoolstar shared hewouldn’t be apologizingfor his remarks because he already “addressed this several times.”
“We with you regardless!!!” Cannon wrote,commenting on Hart’s Instagram video. “You know how we feel about people trying to control us anyway!!”
Hart did eventually go on to apologize.
“I’m sorry that I hurt people.. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart,” Hart added. “Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
source: people.com
