Comedian Kevin Hart has pulled out of hosting the next Academy Awards.

The stand-up/actor was announced at the latest host earlier this week, but following allegations that he has posted tweets that were homophobic he has issued the following statement.

"I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's....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."

Resports say that the Academy asked the star of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Ride Along to apologise or he would be removed. In a video he said he declined to apologise but later issued the above statement.