In the aftermath of a homophobic, racist attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett, an outpouring of love and support for the openly gay actor came flooding across social media.
As Instinct reported earlier this week, Smollett was assaulted in the early hours of January 29 when two attackers physically accosted him, poured bleach on his head and put a noose around his neck, all while calling him homophobic slurs.
The incident is now being investigated by police as a possible hate crime.
Celebrities and activists of all stripes reached out to send ‘best wishes’ and thoughts for a speedy recovery after the attack.
But when comedian Kevin Hart offered his ‘prayers’ via Instagram, social media was not having it.
In addition to said prayers, Hart wrote:
“This is unbelievably sad. Why are we going backwards….this is disgusting. We as people have to do better. WTF is going on the world???? Why are we falling in love with hate???? God damn it people….Choose love…I repeat…Choose love. I will forever choose love and I will continue to teach my kids how to do the same. Stand strong brother”
You’ll recall Hart recently had to step down from hosting this year’s Oscars after homophobic tweets and jokes resurfaced from his past.
The man who took forever to give a direct apology for joking that he would break a doll house over his son’s head if he thought he might be gay is now wondering, “Why are we going backwards?”
Uh-uh, the Twitter people do not have short memories when it comes to what seems like hypocrisy here.
Here’s just a sample of the responses Hart got to his ‘prayers:’
Do you see why the “jokes” weren’t funny now??
— Bethany West (@niale_west) January 30, 2019
This is why we don’t joke about beating our sons if we think they’re gay
— Jon McQueen Daddy Brix (@JonMcQueen) January 30, 2019
Wait… how you… ?!?! pic.twitter.com/PUtzUkZfyV
— (@calvinscottrob) January 30, 2019
This is your reminder that Kevin Hart was given a publicity tour to declare that being an ally to LGBTQ folks is not his life's goal or dream and that he's done apologizing. This is your reminder that his jokes reflect actual attitudes that produce what happened to Jussie.
— Dana (@DanaVivianWhite) January 29, 2019
This is why someone’s jokes about beating their gay son were never funny
— Ira (@ira) January 29, 2019
Keep yo tears n prayers…This is why yo joke was important and such an issue
— Jerry Ford, Jr., MPP (@JerryFordJr) January 30, 2019
For his part, Hart responded to the criticism via tweet:
“I stand with a man in his time of hurt and need by giving him heart felt support and u take the time to harp on my 10yr past that I have apologized about and moved on from by being a better person,” the 39-year-old comedian tweeted in response to TV writer Ira Madison III’s criticism on Wednesday, January 30. “Do you want change? If so I am an example of what u want people to do…CHANGE!”
I stand with a man in his time of hurt and need by giving him heart felt support and u take the time to harp on my 10yr past that I have apologized about and moved on from by being a better person. Do you want change? If so I am an example of what u want people to do…CHANGE! https://t.co/Ybbo8OYKTt
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) January 30, 2019
1. Prayers are dumb.
1. Prayers are dumb.
2. Kevin Hart has repeatedly apologized and I hope that we, as a community, have it in us to forgive when asked to do so.
I agree with you on #2. but
I agree with you on #2. but you're dumb on #1.
Hart responded on a level
Hart responded on a level involving basic humanity to this incident and to Smollett's injuries. I guess that's not enough for some people for whom his initial apology will never be enough. But to me, his post is another step in his "evolving."
So very true!!!!!  Why hate?
So very true!!!!! Why hate????