Yahoo News John Oliver slams Academy hypocrisy over Weinstein
John Oliver has slammed the Academy for hypocrisy and not doing enough, after the organisation announced that it has voted to expel Harvey Weinstein following numerous sexual misconduct allegations made against the producer.
Weinstein has faced allegations of sexual harassment from stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Rose McGowan, Cara Delevingne, Ashley Judd, Kate Beckinsale, Lea Seydoux, Eva Green, Rosanna Arquette, Heather Graham, Jessica Barth, and Lysette Anthony.
The Academy "voted well in excess of the required two-thirds majority" for Weinstein's expulsion, but this is only the second time in the organisation's history in which such a decision has been made.
In a statement, the Academy said that the decision was made "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 wilful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behaviour and workplace harassment in our industry is over".
However, Last Week Tonight host John Oliver questioned why the organisation has yet to act in regards to the likes of Roman Polanski, who served jailtime in 1977 for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and Bill Cosby, who will be retried on historic charges for sexual assault next year – accusations he denies.
"Yes, finally!" Oliver mocked the Academy. "The group that counts among its current members Roman Polanski, Bill Cosby, and Mel Gibson has found the one guy who treated women badly and kicked him out. So, congratulations, Hollywood!"
Oliver then brought up the fact that Casey Affleck – who was hit with sexual harassment lawsuits in 2010, which he denied – won the Best Actor Oscar earlier this year and will therefore be back to present next year.
"See you at the next Oscars where – and this is true – Casey Affleck will be presenting Best Actress," he said.
After the initial allegations were made, Weinstein was fired from the company and investigated by police in the UK and US. He has "unequivocally denied" any allegations of non-consensual sex.
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