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If you were wondering what comedian Kevin Hart was doing this weekend instead of hosting the Oscars, now you have your answer.
On Sunday evening, the Philadelphia native channeled his inner Rocky and took to Instagram to show off his boxing skills in an intense training session with boxing pro Hino Ehikhameno.
READ MORE: Kevin Hart steps down as Oscars host after firestorm over homophobic tweets
Although Hart seemed to be in high spirits in a previous series of clips he uploaded that week, indicating he was past the Oscars controversy, fans quickly noticed that a flat-screen TV on the wall behind him was actually playing the ABC broadcast of The Academy Awards.
Still dogged over tweet controversy
Saturday, a Los Angeles street artist who goes by the name Plastic Jesus went viral after erecting a golden statue of the comedian not too far from the award show venue. The statue depicts Hart waving a rainbow flag and standing on a base with the words “Hollow Apology” written across it.
The Oscar statue inspired piece is clearly a pointed jab at Hart’s initial refusal to apologize for homophobic tweets, followed by what many felt was a begrudging and hollow half apology.
BREAKING NEWS: A golden statue of Kevin Hart holding the rainbow flag pops up near venue of the 2019 Oscars in reference to the homophobic tweet controversy which saw saw him step down as host. The statue by L.A. street artist Plastic Jesus contains the caption: 'Hollow Apology'. pic.twitter.com/6zzE64Cjmf
— Dave Vescio (@DaveVescio) February 24, 2019
Plastic Jesus very candidly expressed his feelings about the incident in a since deleted Instagram caption, stating, “‘AND THE WINNER IS…’ This year’s Oscar statue ‘Hollow Apology’ featuring Kevin Hart. Over the past decades most countries have made great inroads fighting homophobia and hate, however the current divisive rhetoric seems to have taken us back to the 1970’s. So much of the Entertainment industry output comes from LGBTQ Individuals we should be celebrating it and not creating a hateful environment.”
“The whole purpose of our Oscars statues is really to get Hollywood and the entertainment industry to look at itself a bit closer and assess what it’s doing right and what its doing wrong,” Plastic Jesus told Out magazine.