Ratner, who recently directed Murphy in Tower Heist, stepped down on Nov. 8 as producer of the Oscar telecast after he made several offensive off-the-cuff remarks, including, “rehearsal is for f–s.”
Ratner went on Stern’s radio show to address the growing controversy over the gay expletive comment, but many interpreted his appearance on the Stern show (including a discussion about his own sex life) as irreverent and inappropriate.
Ratner said Tuesday, “Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents.”
Murphy’s’s resignation quickly followed Brett’s. “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,” Murphy said of the shake-up. “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.”
Murphy’s resignation is a huge disappointment to fans who looked forward to experiencing the onstage delivery that brought the comedy legend into the limelight more than 25 years ago. Ironically, it was Eddie’s “raw” and irreverent style that made him a comedy superstar. But he, too, has had his share of trouble when it comes to what is funny and what is offensive. Murphy apologized publicly in 1996 for insensitive jokes he made about gay people and HIV.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president, Tom Sherak said Wednesday, Nov. 9 in a statement, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well.” –kathleen cross
