Brett Ratner out as Oscar producer

RatnerThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirms that Brett Ratner has resigned as producer of this year's Oscar telecast following his use of a gay slur on Friday evening and his raunchy interview on "The Howard Stern Show" Monday. In an open letter, Ratner said he resigned to Academy president Tom Sherak this morning by phone and that he "apologizes publicly and unreservedly." "I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter," Ratner said. "Having love in your heart doesn't count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted." In the statement from the Academy, Sherak's position represents a 180-degree shift from yesterday when he said, "We think Brett's apology was sincere and showed that he understood how insensitive he had been. We believe his apology reflects who he really is at heart." By late Tuesday he had accepted Ratner's resignation. "He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself," Sherak said in a statement. "Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. 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." Outrage over Ratner's comments has been building over the past few days among Academy members and the industry. Sherak announced Ratner's appointment in August, and the "Tower Heist" director was slated to work alongside veteran producer Don Mischer. Sherak cited Ratner's comedic experience as being a big selling point in hiring him. Though Ratner has always been a controversial choice, he was instrumental in bringing Eddie Murphy on as host in September and had hired several veteran comedy writers to breathe new life into the show. It is unclear whether Murphy will stay on as host. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com