Film academy kicks out disgraced US director

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 54member 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, the academy said.

“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 added.

An avalanche of sexual harassment, assault and rape accusations against Weinstein have surfaced since the publication two weeks ago 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, who was said to have reported the 65-year-old to the Metropolitan Police last week.

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

On Thursday, American actress Rose McGowan became the fourth woman to accuse the 65-year-old of raping her. “What’s at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society,” said the academy, which organises the Oscars.

Since the outbreak of the scandal, more than 12 actresses including Mira Sorvino, Rosanna Arquette, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Lea Seydoux have come forward saying they had been sexually harassed by the producer. Meanwhile, Weinst wife, fashion designer Georgina Chapman, has said she plans to divorce him. — AFP