Oscar host Chris Rock is standing by remarks he made calling the ceremony a "fashion show" which holds no interest for black men unless they are gay.

The comedian caused controversy after his anti-Academy Awards tirade was published in magazine Entertainment Weekly, but he remained unrepentant during an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno reports IMDb.com.

He said: "I did not say that. I said only gay people watch the Tonys! I really don't know any straight men who aren't in show business that have ever watched the Oscars. What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? The awards don't really affect anybody's lives in the crowd."

Source: Press Release