Eddie Murphy quits as Oscar host

With Brett Ratner resigning yesterday from his duties as producer of the Oscars, it was perhaps only a matter of time before host Eddie Murphy followed suit. And sure enough, the Tower Heist star has followed his director’s lead by stepping down from next February’s ceremony.

This all comes in the wake of a Tower Heist question and answer session in which Ratner described rehearsals as being “for fags”. Despite releasing a lengthy apology , Ratner elected to withdraw from his role as producer for the Academy Awards ceremony.

“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,” said Murphy in an official statement released 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.”

Academy President Tom Sherak endorsed Murphy’s decision, stating that, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.”

This now leaves the Academy in a race against the clock to appoint a new host in advance of the 2012 ceremony. Brian Grazer is already in place to step into Ratner’s shoes, whilst one rumour doing the rounds is that the Muppets will replace Murphy. Here’s hoping…