Harvey Weinstein ousted from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Washington D.C. [USA] Oct. 15 (ANI): Harvey Weinstein has been expelled by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences following the allegations of sexual harassment and assault against him.

The film academy voted overwhelmingly on Saturday to immediately expel Harvey Weinstein, reported the New York Times.

The decision was made by academy's 54-member board of the governors at an emergency session.

The academy in a statement said the vote was "well in excess of the required two-thirds majority."

"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 statement read.

The academy said it would "work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all academy members will be expected to exemplify."

Sophie Dix, who starred with Weinstein in 'The Advocate', went public with allegations of a sexual assault in a hotel room when she was 22, reports The Guardian.

Several Hollywood actresses have come forward with accusations against the studio mogul, including Kate Beckinsale, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cara Delevingne.

Weinstein has "denied" any "allegations of non-consensual sex" and has said that he is hoping to get a "second chance".

He is facing allegations from more than 30 women of sexual misconduct, including at least three of rape.

Weinstein has been fired by the movie and television studio he co-founded, the Weinstein Company. (ANI)