Just 24 hours after his friend Brett Ratner pulled out of producing the 2012 Academy Awards in the uproar following his gay slur, Eddie Murphy has announced he’s jumping ship as well.
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Eddie Murphy released a statement saying, “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,” reports to Extra TV. “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.”
With a just three months left until the mega show, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has to fill two big-time roles.
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Curiously, all parties appear to be sympathetic to the situation. Tom Sherak, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.”
It’s quite unfortunate that Murphy is exiting the show! Murph’s latest comedy, “Tower Heist,” hit theaters this past weekend and landed at number two at the box office.
What great comedian should replace Murphy?
