Eddie Murphy Out As Oscars Host

Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement Wednesday.

The decision had been predicted by movie industry observers, as Murphy is friends and creative partners with Brett Ratner, who stepped aside less than a day ago as producer of the show. Ratner left the position after he was heavily criticized for using a gay slur during a question-and-answer session for his new film, "Tower Heist," in which Murphy stars. He was also criticized for sexual and other statements he made about women on "The Howard Stern Show."

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

More