Credit: NBC

Late last week, Kevin Hart announced his decision to step down as the 2019 Oscars host after buried homophobic posts from 2009 to 2011 were found and resurfaced on Twitter. Making the choice, “because I don’t want to be a distraction…”, has ultimately divided the internet, but not before Jerry Seinfeld could put in his word.

Appearing on NBC’s Sunday Today speaking with Willie Geist, the comedian showed his support for Hart, believing: “He doesn’t have to step down, but he can.”

“Kevin is in a position, because he is a brilliant comedian, to kind of decide what he wants to do,” Seinfeld said in a preview clip of the interview, set to air on December 16. Continuing, “And when you look at the situation — well, who got screwed in that deal?”‘

The 60 year-old is not the only star to defend Hart, with Nick Cannon, Cedric the Entertainer and Damien Wayans getting behind the actor.

Currently, no replacement has been announced for the event which will see Dolby Theatre in Hollywood light up on February 24, 2019. Stay tuned for more.