[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Eddie Murphy[/lastfm] decided to no longer participate in the Oscars after his friend [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Brett Ratner [/lastfm]was no longer producing the show.

According to Ny Daily News

Late Tuesday, Ratner exited his job as executive producer of the awards ceremony after a firestorm erupted when he used a gay slur during a public screening of his film “Tower Heist” (which co-stars Murphy). He later apologized, though eventually was ousted as producer of the Oscars.

Due to [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Eddie Murphy’s[/lastfm] friendship with Ratner after that incident he the withdrew from having any involvement with the awards.

Related Stories:

Eddie Murphy’s Daughter New Face Of ‘Dark N Lovely’

Cannon’s Countdown: Eddie Murphy To Host The Oscars; Best Hosts From The Past