By Rachel Ogbu 

The build up to the Oscars show next year is already littered with scandals as host, Eddie Murphy drops out after an uproar over Brett Ratner’s gay slur at ‘Tower Heist’ screening.

Murphy bailed out of hosting the Academy Awards a day after his producer and friend, Brett Ratner was shamed into leaving the show.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has released a statement announcing Murphy’s departure. “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” Tom Sherak, Academy President said.

The drama all ensued on 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 he directed. He later apologised, though eventually was ousted as producer of the Oscars.

Speaking for the first time after quitting his job as host, Murphy talked about his decision. “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.”

For Murphy, “Tower Heist” and the hosting the Oscars were considered huge steps in the restoration of his Hollywood career. There was no doubt that he was going to deliver and liven up the Academy Awards ceremony, which is annually the most watched entertainment special of the year.

The Academy Awards are set for February 26, 2012.

Oluwapelumi