Eddie Murphy: Oscars Hosting Gig Withdrawn

Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 2012 Academy Awards, it was announced on Wednesday (November 9).

“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,” the 50-year-old actor said in a statement.

“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,” Eddie added.

The news comes after Brett Ratner resigned as a producer of the telecast on Tuesday after using a gay slur.

The 2012 Oscars will air on Sunday, February 26, 2012. No word on who the new host will be!