Rock in Oscar controversy storm

Oscar bosses are standing behind Chris Rock as their choice to host this year's Academy Awards ceremony, despite the comedian calling the event a "fashion show" that is only watched by homosexuals.

Rock made his controversial remarks to US magazine Entertainment Weekly, just two weeks before he presents the glitzy bash later this month.

In the interview, Rock told the publication that Oscar ceremonies never hold his concentration for the duration, before deriding the annual event as "idiotic" and a pointless fashion parade.

Rock said: "I never watched the Oscars, except the Halle/Denzel year. But even then, I went back and forth to other channels.

"Come on, it's a fashion show. No one performs, it's not like a music show.

"Nothing against people who aren't straight, but what straight guy that you know really cares? Who gives a f**k? They're clothes.

"What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me one. And they don't recognize comedy, and you don't see a lot of black people nominated, so why should I watch it?"

But Oscar producer Gil Cates yesterday dismissed reports that Rock's comments had offended anyone at the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

He said: "The Academy is excited about Chris Rock hosting this year's Oscar telecast and looking forward to a very funny evening with him.

"Chris' comments over the past few weeks are meant to be humorous digs at the show that some people, obviously including Chris himself, think may be a bit too stuffy."