Why Ellen DeGeneres Is Facing Intense Backlash for Her Comments on Kevin Hart and the Oscars

As the 2017 Moonlight/La La Land Best Picture mix-up to end all mix-ups demonstrates, the Oscars and controversy go hand in hand. We’re still a month out from the 2019 Academy Awards, but there has been no shortage of contention, especially when it comes to the (lack of a) host.

Kevin Hart seemed like a sure thing – until he wasn’t, after past homophobic tweets resurfaced and he didn’t apologize. But is it really all over for the comedian? If fellow former Oscars host Ellen DeGeneres gets her way, then the answer is no — and many find that upsetting.

Kevin Winter

Hart visited Ellen DeGeneres on her show to talk through what happened, and, in a move that surprised many, Ellen came to his defense, revealing that she even called the Academy herself to vouch for him.

“As a gay person. I am sensitive to all of that. You’ve already expressed that it’s not being educated on the subject, not realizing how dangerous those words are, not realizing how many kids are killed for being gay or beaten up every day,” said DeGeneres.

RELATED: Oscars 2019 Predictions, Straight From the Experts

“You have grown, you have apologized, you are apologizing again right now. You’ve done it. Don’t let those people win — host the Oscars.”

For his part, Hart said he is “evaluating” the opportunity.

Kevin Winter

After their interview aired, many fans took to Twitter to disavow Hart — and also DeGeneres, for saying that those who criticized Hart’s refusal to apologize for past homophobia were just “haters.”

Click Here: Putters

Nothing is official yet, but many trade publications like Variety are saying there *is* a chance Hart could become the Oscars host after all, even with the outcry.

But if that doesn’t work out, may we suggest Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as hosts? Tina, Amy — can you hear us? Seems like a rather humble request on our part.