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Oscars chief reportedly accused of sexual misconduct

John Bailey - Getty Images North America
John Bailey - Getty Images North America

The president of the Academy of Motion Pictures, the organisation that hands out the Oscars, is reportedly being investigated for sexual misconduct.

John Bailey, 75, is facing three separate sexual harassment claims, US media outlets reported last night. 

The veteran US movie director and cinematographer was elected to the four-year term as president of the Academy in August and has overseen the backlash against sexual misconduct in Hollywood following the Harvey Weinstein scandal.

The Academy received three claims of sexual harassment against Bailey on Wednesday and began an investigation, according to US celebrity news sites Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

The allegations have come just two weeks after the annual Oscars ceremony.

Since the appointment of Bailey, whose film credits include Groundhog Day, the academy has voted to expel Weinstein while the cinematographer has helped to establish its first code of conduct for its 8,000 members.

Weinstein has been accused of sexual assault by a number of high profile actresses in Hollywood -  among them Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Beckinsale and Lupita Nyong'o - but has denied all accusations of non-consensual behaviour.

In February, Bailey told the annual luncheon for Oscar nominees that the 90-year-old organisation was reinventing itself with programs committed to inclusion and diversity "in today's era of a greater awareness and responsibility in balancing gender, race, ethnicity and religion.".

The academy has also developed an online form for members to submit claims of misconduct on the grounds of sexual behaviour, gender, sexual orientation, race, age, and religion.

In a statement last night, the organsiation said: "The academy treats any complaints confidentially to protect all parties.

"The membership committee reviews all complaints brought against academy members according to our standards of conduct process, and after completing reviews, reports to the board of governors.

"We will not comment further on such matters until the full review is completed."

Bailey has not yet responded to requests for comment.