La La Anthony Stands By Kevin Hart Following Oscar Host Backlash: 'People Do Change' (Exclusive)

"Power" star La La Anthony is standing by her "amazing" former co-star Kevin Hart after the actor stepped down from his Oscars hosting gig.

In an interview with TooFab Tuesday, La La said Hart remains her first choice to host Hollywood's biggest night. The actress expressed how she feels her friend has grown and evolved since making the homophobic comments early in his career that resurfaced last week to resounding outrage.

"I want it to be Kevin Hart," La La said regarding who should host the Oscars. "I think that I know he's an amazing person. He and I did two movies together -- 'Think Like a Man' one and two -- so I know him personally and I know that he's already apologized for those tweets that he put out back then. And I know that people evolve and change and he spoke on that."

"I think he would be a great Oscar host and really bring something to the show," she continued. "I think it's a testament that people do change and you can say something and regret it later and learn from it. And I think that's what's happened with him and he's expressed that. I was kinda sad to see him step down because I was looking forward to it."

It all began last week when The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced Hart as the host of the 2019 Oscars ceremony. Shortly after, critics slammed the Academy's choice because of the comedian's controversial past.

While there was overwhelming backlash, particularly from the LGBTQ community, there were also many celebrities who congratulated Hart after the "Night School" star took to Instagram to announce the news. La La was one of the celebrities who commented on the post.

"Wowwwwwwwww!" she wrote. "This is amazing Kev!!! Super proud of u."

The outrage, however, only continued to grow as an outright apology for the tweets did not seem forthcoming. On Dec. 6, just one day after the initial announcement, Hart stepped down from the hosting gig.

"I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's," he tweeted. "This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past."

"I'm sorry that I hurt people," he continued. "I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again."

The "Ride Along" star explained in detail what went down in a video posted to his Instagram. Check it out below.

Stay tuned as TooFab has more La La coming your way soon from our chat with the star about her partnership with Lysol's One Less Sick Day program.

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