Booted from motion picture Academy

LOS ANGELES: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Harvey Weinstein on Saturday, vowing that the era of “shameful complicity in sexually predatory behaviour” in the movie industry was over.

An emergency meeting of its 54-member board of governors, which includes stars such as Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg and Laura Dern, voted “well in excess of the required two-thirds majority”, it said in a statement.

“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.”

An avalanche of sexual harassment, assault and rape accusations against Weinstein has surfaced since the publication last week of an explosive New York Times report alleging a history of abusive behaviour by the Hollywood mogul dating back decades.

As Weinstein’s expulsion was announced, the London-based Sunday Times reported on a fifth alleged rape victim, British actress Lysette Anthony ( pix), who was said to have reported the 65-year-old to police last week.

Anthony, 54, who appeared in Woody Allen’s 1992 film Husbands and Wives, told The Times that Weinstein attacked her in the 1980s.

On Thursday, American actress Rose McGowan became his fourth rape accuser.

“What’s at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society,” said the Academy, which organises the Oscars.

“The board continues to work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all Academy members will be expected to exemplify.” – AFP