Nick Cannon Defends Kevin Hart Over Backlash From Homophobic Tweets

Nick Cannon has come to the defense of Kevin Hart after he stepped down from hosting the 91st annual Academy Awards next year due to backlash from homophobic tweets he posted a decade ago.

In a string of tweets, Cannon called out multiple comedians who have also written homophobic tweets in their past.

In a past tweet, comedian Chelsea Handler —for example—used the term “fag bird.” Canon wondered if she had received any backlash.

He also commented on similarly homophobic tweets from Amy Schumer and Sarah Silverman.

Hart decided to step down after mounting pressure from the LGBTQ community after his old tweets surfaced.

He initially tried to dismiss the controversy in a video shared on Instagram Thursday. He began a lengthy caption of that video with, “Stop looking for reasons to be negative.”

Later that day he revealed that he’d stepped down after telling his fans that the Academy called to tell him to apologize or “we’re going to have to move on and find another host.”

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s,” he tweeted Thursday. “This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”

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. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

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. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.

— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018

Hart continued, “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. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”

Cannon is part of a group of Hollywood veterans who have supported Hart through the ordeal, including Cedric the Entertainer and DL Hughley.

The 91st annual Academy Awards will be held on February 24, 2019.