Tag: Bill Cosby sexual assault allegations

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has expelled veteran Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein following sexual harassment and sexual assault allegations against the movie mogul stretching back decades. “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," the Academy's board said in a statement. "What’s at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society. The Academy has disciplined members for their behavior in the past, but Weinstein's expulsion is a rare public rebuke. The decision came after the Academy held an emergency meeting to decide Weinstein's fate in the organization. Beyond Weinstein's work in Hollywood, the veteran producer was also known in political circles as a major bundler and donor for Democratic candidates. Various Democrats such as Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) were quick to donate contributions Weinstein had made to their campaigns after the sexual harassment allegations surfaced earlier this month. “Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein,” the former president and former first lady Michelle Obama said in the joint statement. Clinton announced on Wednesday that she would donate the money contributed to her campaign by Weinstein.