LIVE - The Oscars 2012
9.25am So why has the Academy turned to some old geezer who was last funny on screen in 1991? Because it was staring down the barrel of a public relations nightmare after the man hired to host the Oscars, Eddie Murphy, walked at the 11th hour. Murphy, another comedian who hasn't been funny on screen for even more years than Crystal (Shrek doesn't count), walked because the man hired to produce the Oscars, Brett Ratner, said "rehearsing was for fags" and then subsequently wrote this open letter to the entertainment industry:
Dear Colleagues,
Over the last few days, I've gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone I've hurt and offended, I'd like to apologize publicly and unreservedly.
As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world.
Extolling the "lovely, long sandy beach with trees that shade (it)," Michael Cordova of San Francisco adds, "There's a cool 'store' (some old guy's garage) close to the beach that sells chameleons and other reptiles, which is always fun to check out.