Hollywood hails Academy decision to expel Harvey Weinstein after sexual harassment claims
After being criticised for its silence on the subject last weekend, satirical TV show Saturday Night Live took aim at the Oscar-winning producer
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Oscar-winning producer Harvey Weinstein on Saturday, after allegations he sexually harassed or assaulted a number of women.
The academy said its 54-member board of governors “voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority to immediately expel him from the Academy”.
The expulsion follows allegations reported by The New York Times and The New Yorker that Weinstein sexually harassed or assaulted several women in incidents dating back to the 1980s, including three who said they were raped. Weinstein, 65, has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.
In announcing the decision, the academy said it was also telegraphing a broader message.
“We do so not simply to separate ourselves from someone who does not merit the respect of his colleagues, but also to send a message that the era of wilful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behaviour and workplace harassment in our industry is over,” it said. “What’s at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society.” it said. “The board continues to work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all Academy members will be expected to exemplify.”