Oh Snap! Eddie Murphy Quits As Oscar Host

Eddie Murphy has decided to drop out as host of the 84th Academy Awards, following the resignation of his friend Brett Ratner in the wake of "rehearsal is for fags" gate. Chile, what would Johnny Gill say?

Murphy released a statement but didn’t give a specific reason for his departure. “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,” Murphy says. “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.”

“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” says Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in a statement.

 Sounds like Eddie just wants to bow out so he won't be forced to comment on Ratner's comments. Would a simple "He shouldn't have said that," be so wrong? Oh well. Maybe they can get Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock or Neil Patrick Harris to host.