People’s Choice awards: Kevin Hart gives emotional speech in first public appearance since horrific car crash

Kevin Hart has given an emotional speech in his first public appearance since sustaining major back injuries in a car accident.

The actor and comedian appeared on stage at the E! People’s Choice Awards last night (10 November) to collect the Comedy Act of 2019 award.

Met with a standing ovation, Hart said: “First and foremost, I thank God because I definitely don’t have to be here.”

“Being that I am, it makes me appreciate life even more. It makes me appreciate the things that really matter. Family. I want to thank my wife and my kids, who really stepped up to the plate for me.”

Next thanking his fans, Hart continued: “You have no idea the effect that you have on us as entertainers. Your energy, your support. It means the world and I truly want to thank you guys for being there for me in my difficult time.”

Hart was in the passenger seat of his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda when it veered off road in Malibu and down a steep verge on 1 September.

In a police report, it was declared that the car’s driver Jared Black was “driving recklessly” at the time of the accident, leaving Hart with “major back injuries”.

Last month (30 October), Hart said in an Instagram video that after his accident he “sees things differently” and “sees life from a whole new perspective”.

Hart next appears in the fantasy sequel Jumanji: The Next Level alongside Dwayne Johnson and Danny DeVito. It is released 11 December.