Harvey Weinstein’s BAFTA membership has been suspended “effective immediately,” the organization announced Wednesday morning.
The announcement comes after multiple bombshell reports accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. The New York Times on Thursday published a story citing multiple sexual harassment accusations. Then, on Tuesday, the New Yorker published a second explosive report in which three women accuse the media mogul of rape.
“In light of recent very serious allegations, BAFTA has informed Harvey Weinstein that his membership has been suspended, effective immediately,” BAFTA said in a statement. “Whilst BAFTA has previously been a beneficiary of Mr Weinstein’s support for its charitable work, it considers the reported alleged behaviour completely unacceptable and incompatible with BAFTA’s values. This has led to Mr Weinstein’s suspension, and it will be followed by a formal process as laid out in BAFTA’s constitution.”
Weinstein was forced out of his own company, the Weinstein Company, after the first New York Times report was published. Since then, many important industry figures have released statements in opposition to Weinstein and the accounts detailed in the reports. On Tuesday, the USC School of Cinematic Arts announced it would reject a $5 million donation that Weinstein pledged, in the wake of the first wave of accusations, to start an endowment for female filmmakers.
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BAFTA’s statement goes on: “We hope this announcement sends a clear message that such behaviour has absolutely no place in our industry. BAFTA will continue to work with the film, games and television industries to improve access to rewarding and fulfilling careers in safe, professional working environments.”
