It was announced this morning that Harvey Weinstein has been expelled by the Oscars Academy. This decision comes after several women in Hollywood claimed that Weinstein sexually abused them.
An emergency meeting was called by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles on Saturday morning.
The board is made up of 54 members, including actor Tom Hanks and actress Laura Dern. The Oscars Academy released a statement about their decision to oust the movie mogul.
"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 willful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behaviour and workplace harassment in our industry is over. What’s at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society.”
Throughout the past ten days, actresses including Cara Delavigne, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan have made accusations of sexual assault against 65-year-old Weinstein.
The board revealed that a clear majority of their members were all in favour of expelling the movie producer. He is the second person to be expelled from the Academy.
Weinstein issued a statement where he “unequivocally denied” the accusations that were made.
British actress Lysette Anthony is the latest actress to come forward and accuse Weinstein of rape.
She told her Twitter followers that she had reported a historical crime and admitted that she felt sick and upset.
Have just reported an historic crime to @MerseyPolice ..feel sick.. so sad.. pic.twitter.com/uwb6W182uF
— lysette anthony (@chezLysette) October 11, 2017
The British actress revealed that Harvey Weinstein attacked her in the late 1980s at home in London. She reported the attack to the Metropolitan police.
The Husbands and Wives star stated that the attack was revolting and it left her feeling disgusted.
Over 20 women have made claims of sexual abuse against Weinstein. Rose McGowan was one of the first women to come out.
She was relieved to hear the news that he had been kicked out of the Oscars Academy. Rose posted a video to her Instagram with the caption, “We Slay Dragons.”
The Writers Guild of America West stated that they “stand in solidarity” with the women involved.
He has also been suspended from the British Academy of Film and Arts.
It is believed that the Hollywood producer’s wife Georgina Chapman has left her husband.
His brother Bob spoke out about Weinstein and described him as “sick and depraved”.
He is currently facing three allegations rape and there are currently over 20 women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
Police in both London and New York are investigating the allegations.
