Eddie Murphy has bowed out of his role as host of the Oscars following his friend Brett Ratner's decision to leave the show as producer.

The producer left amid criticism of his use of a pejorative term for gay men in a question-and-answer session at a screening of his action comedy Tower Heist, which stars Eddie and Ben Stiller.

The Meet Dave actor said in a statement issued by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that he had looked forward to being host at the Oscars but that he understands and supports "each party's decision with regard to a change of producers".

Meanwhile, veteran film and TV producer Brian Grazer has stepped on to the Academy Awards merry-go-round and will be replacing Brett producing next year's Oscar show.

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