Backlash over some of Kevin Hart’s past statements forced him to reply to his critics on Instagram only days after it was announced that he will host the 2019 Academy Awards. He then declared on Friday that he would not be hosting the event.

Outrage ensued after years-old tweets, in which Hart voiced anti-gay views and used homophobic slang and slurs, resurfaced.

“Yo if my son comes home & try’s 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay’,” the comedian-actor stated in one of the deleted tweets from 2011.

Mr Hart announced on Twitter that he was pulling out of hosting the Oscars because he didn’t want to be a distraction.

“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars,” tweeted Hart, who is known for his stand-up comedy and roles in films such as Ride Along and Jumanji.

“This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.

“I’m sorry that I hurt people. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love and appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”

Earlier, on his official Instagram page, Hart had confirmed that he would host the Academy Awards.

“For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same… I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to,” he wrote when he announced the news on Tuesday.

He said in an Instagram video uploaded from Sydney, Australia, where he is on tour, that he had resisted the Academy’s call to apologize. He said that the Academy handed him an ultimatum: either apologize for his tweets or resign as Oscars host.

“I chose to pass, I passed on the apology. The reason I chose to pass is because I’ve addressed this several times, this is not the first time this has come up, I’ve addressed this… I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different space in my life,” he said.

“Regardless, Academy, I’m thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away no harm no foul.”

Hart, ironically, delivered the apology that he had previously failed to make while resigning from his hosting position.

The Human Rights Campaign’s Chad Griffin, the director of an LGBT civil rights advocacy group, reacted to Hart on Twitter.

“You have a rare opportunity to take responsibility, teach people in this moment, & send a message to LGBTQ youth that they matter & deserve dignity & respect. You say you’ve grown. Show us. Make amends for hurtful things you’ve said & affirm LGBTQ people,” Griffin said.

Comedian and actor Billy Eichner said “a simple, authentic apology showing any bit of understanding or remorse would have been so simple”.

After Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sammy Davis Jr., Hart would have been one of the few black Oscar hosts in the event’s history.