Kevin Hart Says He Was ‘Educated’ After Backlash to Past Homophobic Jokes: It Was ‘Necessary and Needed’

Kevin Hart has learned from past controversy.

In 2018, the 44-year-old comedian quit hosting the Oscars after his years-old homophobic comments resurfaced, sparking controversy.

Hart said in a statement at the time, “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.” He added: “I am evolving and I want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together, not tear us apart.”

In a new interview with WSJ. Magazine‘with In the Spring 2024 issue of Men’s Fashion, Hart said the controversy was a “come-to-Jesus moment” for him.

“Sometimes it’s okay to take a step back and educate yourself. I got an accelerated course,” he added. “It was necessary and necessary.”

Hart continued his standup comedy career in the years that followed, landing major film roles in Jumanji: The Next Level and several Netflix movies like Lift, Time for me and Paternity.

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Kevin Hart.

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Geof Wills, President of Live Nation Comedy said WSJ. Magazine on Hart’s comedic style today: “He’s not divisive. He’s not political. Everybody feels good. Everybody’s having a good time. Kevin is like a great pop record.”

Hart went on to explain his approach: “It’s not just about the ability to tell a joke. It’s about the ability to get the joke to TV, TV to film, film to property. Jokes acted as my gateway to the things I really good.”

As early as 2020, Hart said Men’s health that when it came to his initial reaction to the reaction in 2018, “I f—ed.”

“With the whole Oscars thing, there was a big gap between what I thought the problem was and what the problem really was,” he said at the time. “I got 10 years where I was careful not to joke or play the way I did because it was a problem. I don’t care if you’re gay or not. I’m human. I’m going to love you regardless.”

He added: “Only to close friends like Wanda Sykes, Lee Daniels and Ellen [DeGeneres] talked to me and explained what they didn’t hear that I said I understood. Then I said, ‘Oh, s— —me did is— up.’ ”

Kevin Hart at the 2016 Oscars.

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In January, Hart said on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen hosting the Oscars is “not going to happen” for him now.

“Kill the idea of ​​that, it’s not going to happen,” Hart said when Cohen said he was “still open” to him hosting the awards show. “There’s just no going back for good,” Hart continued. “What does it do for me? There is no advantage at this point. That’s the only reason why.”

The actor added: “I think at one point in my career it was something that felt like a blow and a wish, just to get something else that I could get and see. But I’m far beyond that. But that’s what we in this the moment does not need it.”

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Source: HIS Education