Harvey Weinstein expelled from Oscars Academy over sexual harassment allegations

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences expelled Harvey Weinstein on Saturday during an emergency meeting, over sexual harassment allegations against him.

Over 34 women have accused him of varying degrees of sexual harassment, and he stands accused of at least four rapes. Among the accusers are celebrities Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, and Cara Delevingne after the story broke on 5 October.

The Academy issued a statement on Saturday, declaring that their decision was taken “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 behavior and workplace harassment in our industry is over.”

The decision was taken by the film academy’s 54-member board of governors, 21 of whom are women, and include Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks among other Hollywood dignitaries. Weinstein will now be removed from the organisation’s ranks.

The Academy has, in recent times, worked to establish ethical standards of conduct which would apply to all its members. It has also endeavoured to increase the number of women in the organisation.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Weinstein's own brother expressed that he thinks Weinstein should be expelled. The expulsion took place less than a week after being fired from his own company over the allegations - marking another blow to his Hollywood career.