Crisis Strategy Brief: Kevin Hart Steps Down From Hosting 2019 Oscars

I woke up this morning to some very interesting news. Recently, it was announced that Kevin Hart would host the Oscars in 2019. However, some members of the public dug up some of his old homophobic tweets. So, being that this is a crisis strategy brief, I’m going to talk about the issue and give my recommendations.

About the crisis

Kevin Hart tweeted some homophobic jokes a few years ago that come across in a very negative light. You can see the screenshots here. In one of his comedy specials, he also says that if he can prevent his son from being gay, he will. I think many people can see how that statement alone is deeply troubling and it’s hard to take that as a joke. When Kevin Hart was announced to host the Oscars, this evidence was used to support a narrative that he should be fired from the job. As a response, Hart decided to back away from hosting.

The Apology

Kevin Hart took to Instagram to respond. However, I think he should have been advised by his team first. The thing about people being offended about something you said is that it doesn’t matter how many times you have to apologize. You should understand why people are offended and keep apologizing. Additionally, in making an apology, you have to change as a person. A redemption tour doesn’t really work in the long run if you don’t actually change.

I think for many people, it seems like Kevin Hart hasn’t changed. I think something like showing you’re an ally to the LGBT community is a simple step. Instead, Kevin Hart seems annoyed and shifts the blame slightly on the offended in his Instagram response. It’s understandable that he’s tired of apologizing for something that happened a long time ago, but it is still necessary to address those who found his words hurtful.

A great response would’ve addressed those individuals and would’ve been less about him. He says he has changed but he hasn’t really showed the audience how.

Here’s what I would’ve advised:

Hi everyone. I realize that some old words that were taken as homophobic was brought up. Those words were so offensive and I hear those that I offended. For that, I want to apologize. I hope that as I continue to evolve as a person, you will see that I have truly changed. So, thank you for listening to my apology and have a great day.

Redemption Tour

After an apology, Kevin Hart needs a good redemption tour. The good thing is that Don Lemon from CNN has offered him an out. Kevin Hart should consider going on the show and being a genuine person. If he has truly changed as he said he has, this will come across as sincere. Hart should also work with Lemon and others in the entertainment industry along with the LGBT community. Listen to their experiences and put faces to the people he has offended.

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Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash