Eddie Murphy QUITS as Academy Awards Host!

Eddie Murphy will not host the Academy Awards 

We just got word from the Academy Awards’ publicity team that Eddie Murphy has stepped down from his role as the host of the Academy Awards.

Straight from the Academy Awards’ press release:

Eddie Murphy Exits as Host of 84th Academy Awards®

Beverly Hills, CA – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards. “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” said Sherak. Commented Murphy, “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 a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.” Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

The news comes on the heels of producer Brett Ratner stepping down as director of the awards show. We had an inkling this might happen. Thoughts?