Now Eddie Murphy drops out of the Oscars?

What's this? Eddie Murphy drops out now? For what?

Murphy has withdrawn as the host, according to a statement released by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” Academy President Tom Sherak said in a statement.

Late Tuesday, Ratner exited his job as executive producer of the awards ceremony after a firestorm erupted when he used a gay slur during a public screening of his film “Tower Heist” (which co-stars Murphy). He later apologized, though eventually was ousted as producer of the Oscars.

“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 in a statement. “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."

So he's doing this to support his friend? Seriously Eddie, that didn't help your career. He may be playing animated donkeys forever.

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