Update: Eddie Murphy out as Oscar host

[a kennedy]

UPDATE (2:15 p.m.): It's official. We have no Oscar host.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just announced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn from the show.

Said 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."

Said Academy president Tom Sherak: "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well."

On Wednesday, Brett Ratner stepped down as producer of the show.


http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/11/will-eddie-murphy-still-host-the-oscars/1