Eddie Murphy’s tenure as host of the Oscars was a short one. After Brett Ratner resigned as producer of the 2012 Academy Awards, his Tower Heist star has followed suit by dropping out today from his duties as host of this year’s highest honor for film.
Academy President Tom Sherak probably saw the writing on the wall yesterday when Ratner resigned as his statement didn’t seem filled with surprise.
“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner and we all wish him well,” Sherak said.
Murphy released his own statement and summed up his feelings about leaving the Oscar gig before it truly got going.
“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 part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure the new production team and host will do an equally great job,” Murphy said in his statement.