Funny Thing Just Happened – Eddie Murphy Quit the Oscars Gig

Less than 24 hours after Brett Ratner "stepped down" (Code: His ass got fired) from producing next year's Oscar telecast, Eddie Murphy (Said to be have accepted the job due to Ratner's participation) has followed suit:

"Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak announced that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards.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."

Years from now, Tom O'Neill and Peter Hammond's heads in a jar will deem this "the Tower Heist curse" following Ratner's public fallout (He was a jackass for the "Rehearsing is for fags" remark, but really, Hollywood that's the worst thing someone's ever said?!), Murphy's resignation, Casey Affleck having a building fall on top of him and Matthew Broderick's dick exploding on the Sex & the City 3 set.