Update: As expected, Eddie Murphy has also quit his Oscar-hosting duties. Read his statement below, followed by the original story.
“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. 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.”
After being out of the spotlight for four years, Brett Ratner has had quite an eventful week and, surprisingly, the quality of his latest movie is the least of his worries. Tower Heist ended up being semi-decent entertainment and could have been a career rejuvenation. But Brett Ratner reminded us why we don’t like Brett Ratner, appearing in a public setting and saying a variety of things.
These statements included calling ex-G4 Host Olivia Munn a whore he banged a few times and forget, then denying the acts. He also proclaimed his skill at oral sex and “big” balls full of sperm. He then capped it all off saying, “rehearsals were for fags.” But what does all this gossipy news have to do with the film world?
It was revealed tonight that Ratner has stepped down (aka been fired) from his Oscar-producing duties after his comments. He got the gig just a few months ago with his Tower Heist star Eddie Murphy as the host. There is no word on whether Murphy will stay, but considering Ratner was the driving force in him getting the job and their association, I wouldn’t be surprised if he steps down.
In a statement, the AMPAS president Tom Sherak, said “he did the right thing for the Academy and for himself. Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent.” Check out Ratner’s explanation below.
An Open Letter to the Entertainment Industry from Brett Ratner
Dear Colleagues,
Over the last few days, I’ve gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone I’ve hurt and offended, I’d like to apologize publicly and unreservedly.
As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world.
So many artists and craftspeople in our business are members of the LGBT community, and it pains me deeply that I may have hurt them. I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter. Having love in your heart doesn’t count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted. With this in mind, and to all those who understandably feel that apologies are not enough, please know that I will be taking real action over the coming weeks and months in an effort to do everything I can both professionally and personally to help stamp out the kind of thoughtless bigotry I’ve so foolishly perpetuated.
As a first step, I called Tom Sherak this morning and resigned as a producer of the 84th Academy Awards telecast. Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents.
I am grateful to GLAAD for engaging me in a dialogue about what we can do together to increase awareness of the important and troubling issues this episode has raised and I look forward to working with them. I am incredibly lucky to have a career in this business that I love with all of my heart and to be able to work alongside so many of my heroes. I deeply regret my actions and I am determined to learn from this experience.
Sincerely,
Brett Ratner
The Academy Awards take place on February 26th, 2012 and we can expect a producer replacement soon.
Are you happy Ratner resigned? Who would be a good replacement?
[Sources: The Academy, Deadline, THR]