"I'D LIKE to say in the words of Martin Luther King: 'Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, I'm free at last."
This was American host Steve Harvey's reaction after Sunday's (Monday morning, Manila time) mix-up at the 89th Academy Awards.
In a stunning ending to the Oscars, presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced "La La Land" as Best Picture winner.
The "La La Land" team was already on stage and in the process of giving thanks when it was announced that the film "Moonlight" was actually the real winner.
Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel tried to ease the tension on stage and mentioned Harvey during the whole Best Picture fiasco. "Personally, I blame Steve Harvey for this,” he said.
Harvey, on his radio show on Monday, hinted that the burden was finally lifted from his shoulder.
"I know more than anyone else in this world about this. I am the creator of those moments," he said.
To recall, Harvey also committed a boo boo during the Miss Universe 2015 when he wrongfully announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez as the winner instead of Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach.
He said that during Sunday's event, Beatty and the producers of the Oscars handled the situation great and made the right decision to iron out the mistake.
"At least the producers of the Oscars on that show, walked out and stood with him. They snatched the card and they corrected their mistake that night, at that moment. Unlike my situation, nearly four minutes went by."
Harvey disclosed that when he hosted the 2015 Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, and after he announced the wrong name and country, it was suggested to him that they will just hold a press conference the next day to clear everything.
The TV host then decided to get back on stage and rectify the situation.
"I remember it like happened yesterday. They handed me a card with three names on it. When we rehearsed it, we only had two names, all week long. When we got to the night, they put a third name and they won't do first runner-up."
In the end, Harvey said he knows well how to handle the criticism after committing the gaffe and advised Beatty to call him.
"Warren, I know your pain. I can help Warren Beatty get through this. I will show him how to handle it with dignity and grace."
"Call me, Warren baby. Me and Warren are going to take photos together," he ended.
Harvey came back to the Miss Universe stage early this year to host the Miss Universe 2016 in the Philippines. Fortunately, this time, he rightfully announced Miss France Iris Mittenaere as the correct winner. (SunStar Philippines)