Los Angeles (dpa) – Hollyood director Brett Ratner resigned Tuesday from his position as the producer of this year’s Oscars following his use of a gay slur during a publicity interview for his latest film Tower Heist.

Ratner’s rapid apology for his comments on Friday that “rehearsal is for fags” was accepted by Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which awards the Oscars.

But the furore refused to die down and Ratner on Tuesday tendered his resignation.

“He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself,” Sherak said in a statement. ”Words have meaning, and they have consequences.

Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable.

“We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent.” (Andy Goldberg)