Weinstein expelled by Oscars board

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said its board “voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority” to expel Harvey Weinstein following numerous allegations of sexual assault made against the film producer. Weinstein’s films have received more than 300 Oscar nominations and won 81.

In a statement the Academy said “not simply to separate 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 behaviour 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”.

Weinstein denies raping anyone and has apologised for hurting colleagues in the past. But his company fired him and his wife has left him. Only two weeks ago he as the most powerful film producer in Hollywood