Harvey Weinstein expelled from the Academy
Over the past week or so, numerous women have come forward, accusing producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and even rape. This resulted in him being fired from his own production company, The Weinstein Company. Now the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have voted Weinstein out.
The Academy released the following statement on Saturday:
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Board of Governors met today to discuss the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, and has voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority to immediately expel him from the Academy. 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 behavior 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. The Board continues to work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all Academy members will be expected to exemplify.”
Weinstein previously won an Oscar for producing Shakespeare in Love. He’s also been attached to several other acclaimed films, including Pulp Fiction and The Crying Game. The Academy isn’t widely known for kicking out members. Bill Cosby, who has been attached to various sexual assault allegations, and Roman Polanski, who pleaded guilty to statutory rape, are both still Academy members. The latter even won an Oscar following his scandal, although he couldn’t accept it since he fled the country in 1978. Mel Gibson, who’s also been the subject of controversy in recent years, received an Best Director nomination for Hacksaw Ridge just last year. With Weinstein’s expulsion, though, the Academy has sent a clear message.
In the wake of the Academy’s decision, actress Alyssa Milano took to Twitter, encouraging women everywhere that have been sexually harassed or assaulted to write “Me Too” on social media.
Since then, many have followed Milano’s example, providing a much-needed wake-up call.