Veteran actor Geoffrey Rush has resigned as the president of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), after allegations of "inappropriate behaviour" were levelled against him.
Rush, 66, was accused of misconduct in a now deleted news report in Australia's Daily Telegraph which stated that Sydney Theatre Company received a complaint against the Oscar-winner, who starred in the company's adaptation of 'King Lear' in 2015.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor has denied the allegations saying his conduct has always been beyond reproach.
The Australian Academy also announced that the veteran actor had resigned but did not elaborate any further.
"AACTA acknowledges the decision today of Geoffrey Rush to voluntarily step aside as President of AACTA and accepts and respects his decision to do so.
"We have been deeply concerned about the situation and support a course of action that both respects Geoffrey's rights to the presumption of innocence and due process, but also acknowledges good corporate governance in these circumstances," the statement posted on AACTA website read.
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