John Sciulli/WireImageIn the end, Brett Ratner will make up for his missteps by doing what he does best: being a director.
The Tower Heist helmer, who stirred up controversy last year when he publicly lobbed a gay slur that ultimately got him booted as producer of the 2012 Oscar telecast, will work with GLAAD to create a video campaign supporting the gay community and promoting equality, GLAAD announced yesterday.
Ratner will produce and direct the project, which will comprise a series of videos and feature celebs, athletes and politicians sharing anecdotes that advocate for equal rights for the LGBT community.
In a statement, Ratner said: "Working together with GLAAD has been a very positive and enlightening experience for me, and I could not be more pleased to be developing this crucial campaign to help educate people that we all share the same humanity. I am excited to get to work on this program and hope that minds and hearts are opened by what we create."
Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD, added: "Straight allies are crucial to creating a culture in which LGBT people are respected and supported. We look forward to working with Brett and these other inspiring Americans who are speaking out and standing up for their LGBT friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers."
In an ironic twist, the project was announced after a meeting among GLAAD's top brass that also included by Brian Grazer, the megaproducer who ultimately replaced Ratner as producer of this year's Oscars show.
Ratner was ousted from the telecast last November after making several impolitic comments, including telling a post-screening Q&A audience that "rehearsal is for f-gs."
Shortly after, his anointed Oscar host, Tower Heist star Eddie Murphy, exited as well. Nine-time Oscar host Billy Crystal has since stepped in as his replacement.