Chris Rock said he has never cared for the Academy Awards, and called its practice?awarding art? “idiotic.”

But Rock will still host the Oscars on February 27, and the producer of the show doesn’t seem too upset by Rock’s comments.

“Chris’ comments over the past few weeks are meant to be humorous digs at a show that some people, obviously including Chris himself, think may be a bit too stuffy,” Gil Cates said in a statement.

“What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me one,” Rock said in an issue of Entertainment Weekly earlier this month.

Cates was pressured into making a statement when a report surfaced on the Drudge Report web site that said some members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were asking for the removal of Rock as this year’s host.

“The academy has heard no grumbling from its members and has no intention of even suggesting that Chris step aside,” Cates added.

Rock said the only times he would watch the Oscars were when a black actor or actress was nominated. He likened the awards to a “fashion show.”






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