Weinstein expelled from motion picture academy

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. 

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“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,” it added.

Weinstein faces a series of sexual assault allegations from actresses including Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, Angelina Jolie and Kate Beckinsale.

The producer has sought treatment following multiple sexual harassment allegations stretching back decades, though he has denied allegations of rape.

Weinstein told reporters this week in his first public appearance since the allegations surfaced that “we all make mistakes.”

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.

Former President Barack Obama and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also issued statements condemning Weinstein’s actions after five days.

“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.

“Any man who demeans and degrades women in such fashion needs to be condemned and held accountable, regardless of wealth or status,” they said.

Clinton said she was “shocked and appalled by the revelations” about Weinstein.

“The behavior described by women coming forward cannot be tolerated. Their courage and the support of others is critical in helping to stop this kind of behavior.”

Clinton announced on Wednesday that she would donate the money contributed to her campaign by Weinstein.

Updated: 5 p.m.