Actor Eddie Murphy took the same route as film director Brett Ratner, by giving up the coveted gig to serve as host of the 84th annual Academy Awards. Ratner, who handpicked Murphy to be this year's host, stepped down from his position as the executive producer of the Oscars, after a firestorm erupted when he used a gay slur during a question-and answer session at a screening of his new flick, "Tower Heist" last week. Ratner has since apologized publicly, but damages have been done, leading Murphy to follow him out the door, one day after. Murphy released a statement saying: "I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job." No word yet on who will be filling Murphy's shoes for the 2012 Oscar ceremony, which will be held next February.