Academy 'launches sexual harassment investigation into its president John Bailey' days after the Oscars
The head of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is reportedly under investigation for sexual harassment.
The academy, which oversees the Oscars, is responding to multiple allegations against president John Bailey, according to reports in the Hollywood Reporter and Variety.
In a statement, the Academy said it “treats any complaints confidentially to protect all parties”.
“We will not comment further on such matters until the full review is completed”, the statement said.
A cinematographer, Mr Bailey was named the academy’s director last year.
The allegations extend a reckoning for Hollywood, which has seen a series of powerful figures toppled by sexual misconduct allegations.
The #MeToo movement was a recurring theme underlying the Oscars ceremony last month, with multiple speakers lauding women who had come forward and urging the industry to do a better job allowing women to advance.
Earlier this year, the academy released new guidelines for reporting misconduct. If claims are “substantiated by clear evidence” of behaviour violating the organisation’s code of conduct, a review committee can then decide to take no action or notify the accused within 10 business days.
“There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency”, a document laying out the guidelines says.
