Eddie Murphy Quits His Oscars Hosting Gig

If you were hoping to get some laughs from Eddie Murphy at this year's 84th Oscars, you might want to holler at YouTube, because Ed's passing off on his hosting gig.  

The decision to withdraw follows the controversial booting of his pal and "Tower Heist" director Brett Ratner as producer of the show. Ratner had been criticized over the last few weeks for his use of a gay slur during an interview ("rehearsing is for f--s") and slandering actresses Olivia Munn and Lindsay Lohan.

"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 said in a statement sent out by the academy. "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."

Full statement below from HuffPo: 

Beverly Hills, CA (November 9, 2011) - Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards. "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well," said Sherak.

Commented Murphy, "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."

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.