Actor causes controversy for refusing to play gay character

Comedian-turned-actor Kevin Hart has sparked controversy among fans for his recent comments about which roles he would and wouldn't play on screen.

The star, who is currently promoting his new film The Wedding Ringer, made the statements during a radio interview last week.

When asked why he had turned down the role of Alpa Chino in the 2008 hit comedy Tropic Thunder, Kevin said he had seen a first draft of the script and decided the character was too "flagrant" for him.

"The dude, he was doing a lot of stuff in the draft that I read," said Kevin. "It was real flagrant. … I was like, 'I can't do this.'"

The 35-year-old star went on to say that he didn't think he could ever play the part of a gay man. "I can't," he said. "Not because I have any ill will or disrespect. Its because I don't think I'm really going to dive into that role 100 percent because of insecurities about myself trying to play that part. Does that make sense?"

Although the actor's comments do seem to be more related to his acting abilities than his prejudice, listeners were quick to slate him online:

Kevin went on to say that he did not have any problem with the gay community, adding, "As people, I love you."

What do you think of his comments?