"Gay slur" and Sex Talk Costs Brett Ratner Oscars Producing Gig

Producer Brett Ratner has stepped down from his post as producer of the 84th Academy Awards after taking heat for using a "gay slur" at a screening event. The incident took place at the ArcLight in Hollywood, where Ratner used the term "fag" during a Q&A following a special showing of his new film "Tower Heist."

Though he apologized Monday for using the term, he also made an appearance on Howard Stern's radio show, during which time he discussed some very personal and raunchy subject matters. KTLA explains:

[T]he conversation veered into a discussion of sex, masturbation, cunnilingus ("I'm probably the best in the world at it"), pubic hair, the size of his testicles, the sex habits of Hollywood moguls, condoms (he doesn't like them but now he uses them) and how he sends women to his doctor to be checked for sexually-transmitted diseases "before I go all the way."

Though the Academy was accepting of Ratner's apology for the use of the term "fag," today Ratner told the Academy he would be giving up the gig. The Academy has accepted his resignation, though they have not said who will take his place.

One of Ratner's bold moves while in the producer role was to tap Eddie Murphy for hosting duties.

Legendary Oscars producer and Ratner predecessor Gil Cates recently passed away as well.