Kevin Hart recently reflected on a past conversation he had with Wanda Sykes when he was facing backlash for some homophobic jokes that he previously made.
While speaking with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes, the big-time actor and comedian explained how Wanda Sykes helped him understand the issue and get through the experience. “Wanda Sykes said, ‘There’s people that are being hurt today because of comments like the ones that you made then, and there are people that were saying it’s okay to make those comments today based off of what you did then,’ ” Hart explained Cooper, 56.
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“It was presented to me in a way where I couldn’t ignore that. So in those moments of despair, great understanding and education can come out of it if you’re given the opportunity,” he added.
As we previously reported, Kevin Hart was set to host the 91st Academy Awards, but controversy arose over some past homophobic jokes he had made. As a result, Hart ultimately decided to step down from the hosting gig, sparking a heated debate about free speech, accountability, and the role of comedy in today’s society.
The backlash against Hart began when several of his old tweets resurfaced, in which he made derogatory and offensive comments about the LGBTQ+ community. Despite issuing an apology and stating that he had evolved since making those jokes, many people felt that his words were still hurtful and unacceptable. LGBTQ+ advocates and allies called for the Academy to find a new host, arguing that someone with a history of making homophobic remarks should not be given such a prominent platform.
In the end, Hart decided to withdraw from the hosting duties, stating that he did not want to be a distraction from the celebration of the film industry. He expressed regret for his past remarks and reiterated his commitment to being a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Some praised his decision to step down as a sign of growth and accountability, while others criticized him for giving in to “cancel culture” and not standing by his comedy.
Most recently, the comedian received the Mark Twain Prize For American Humor in a gala performance at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Many other comedians in the game and celebrities flooded the Kennedy Center to show Hart some love during the event. The Associated Press was on the red carpet and spoke with Nikki Glazer who said Kevin Hart is “just inspirational. He’s one of the most naturally talented people I’ve met. But he also loves himself, which is not something you can say about every successful comic.”