The Oscars Board Has Voted To Expel Harvey Weinstein Over “Sexually Predatory Behavior”

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following recent allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape.

The Academy’s board of governors met on Saturday for an emerging meeting, a little more than a week after The New York Times published an explosive report alleging numerous instances of sexually inappropriate behaviour by the movie mogul stretching back decades. Since then, a number of other women have gone public with similar accusations, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan.

Academy bylaws require a two-thirds vote in order to trigger an expulsion. According to a statement released by the organisation, the board voted “well in excess” of that requirement.

The statement also said that the expulsion came “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 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 decision to expel Weinstein was supported by his brother and business partner Bob, who told The Hollywood Reporter that Harvey had caused “unconscionable suffering”.

“I am heartbroken for the women that [Harvey] has harmed,” said Bob. He also said that he had no idea “the type of predator [Harvey] was,” and claimed that he had barely spoken to his brother in the past five years.

“I have a brother that’s indefensible and crazy,” said Bob. “I want him to get the justice that he deserves.”