Film director Brett Ratner is out of a high-profile job as Oscar producer, submitting his resignation to Academy Award organizers on Tuesday in the face of an industry firestorm over his use of a gay slur.

During a question-and-answer session at a screening of his new comedy "Tower Heist" last week, Ratner was asked about rehearsals ahead of a film shoot, and he replied "rehearsing is for fags."

He later apologized publicly, but the damage was done as gay rights groups and some members of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which puts on the Oscars, took issue with his use of the word "fags."

Ratner also gave an interview on Monday on shock jock Howard Stern's radio show in which he spoke in detail about his sex life, and his comments added fuel to the fire around him.

"Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable," Academy president Tom Sherak said in a statement.

Sherak said Ratner "did the right thing for the Academy and for himself."

"We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent," Sherak said.

The Academy said Ratner submitted his resignation on Tuesday morning. There was no word on when a replacement would be named.

In an open letter issued by Ratner earlier this week, the director said he would "like to apologize publicly and unreservedly."

"I've gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances," Ratner said.

Hiring Ratner, 42, had been a distinct departure from recent years for Oscar organizers who in the past focused the show on variety and elaborate song-and-dance numbers by hosts or co-hosts including Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman.

For this past February's show, the producers were Don Mischer and Bruce Cohen, who helped bring dramas such as "American Beauty" and gay-themed "Milk" to theaters. Mischer had been hired to co-produce with Ratner for the 2012 show.

Ratner, by contrast, is known for high-octane action movies and broad comedies such as "Tower Heist" starring Eddie Murphy, who will be this year's Oscar host.

Other credits on Ratner's filmography include the "Rush Hour" action comedies starring Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. He has produced both movies and TV shows, such as "Prison Break."

The show's better off anyway.

What he said was immature and a bit dumb--it is Brett Ratner after all--but the fact he was forced to resign over it is a bit much. But whatever.

So...is Eddie Murphy still gonna host then?

EDIT: Guess he isn't.

http://www.oscars.org/press/pressreleas ... 11109.html

Also, switch out "fag" for "nigger" in this exact same context I cannot imagine there would be much of any defense for him.

Exactly! And Gun wouldn't have made a topic entitled "The niggers win." Yet it's ok to say "fags."

I disagree about Crystal, the man was the best Oscar host of the last 20 years. However, I am not sure if he wants to do it again. Tom Hanks does seem to be getting some buzz and he would be a great choice.

Crystal has had his run. I know last year the hosts sucked but that doesn't mean that I want to see an old host come back either. I want someone fresh, new and most importantly funny.

Is Gervais not available? Someone call him!

He is a good safe choice, and at least the show will be better than last year. And I think he will do a better job than Murphy.

Exactly! And Gun wouldn't have made a topic entitled "The niggers win." Yet it's ok to say "fags."

He is doing the Globes so there is no way he could do it anyway. I think it will be between Hanks and Neil Patrick Harris right now.

He's doing the Globes again? Fantastic. I figured he was blacklisted after last year.

The fags love him