LOS ANGELES — Kevin Hart, who stepped down as host of the Oscars following criticism over past anti-gay tweets, said he is evaluating his decision after popular comedian Ellen DeGeneres revealed she supported him in the role.

In an interview on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," DeGeneres said she recently called the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to advocate for Hart.

DeGeneres said the Academy, which organizes the ceremony, had responded that they would be "thrilled" to have him host the Feb. 24 awards.

"We want him to host, whatever we can do, we'd be thrilled," she quoted Academy officials as telling her.

"When I leave here I promise you I'm evaluating this conversation," Hart, known for "Ride Along" and other films, told DeGeneres in the interview. Just hours earlier, Hart had told Hollywood trade publication Variety that he would not reconsider. "Would I ever do it? No, it's done," Hart said.

Hart, who is African-American, would have been one of just a handful of black Oscar hosts over the past 90 years. — Reuters