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John Oliver criticises the Academy for keeping Cosby, Polanski

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Press Trust of India Los Angeles
"Last Week Tonight" host John Oliver has called out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for revoking Harvey Weinstein's membership while Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski continue to be its part.

Oliver, who was the first late-night host to speak about numerous sexual allegations against Weinstein, also criticised fashion designer Donna Karen and filmmaker Oliver Stone for initially supporting the powerful Hollywood producer.

"Yes, finally, 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," Oliver said.

The Academy's 54-member board of governors which includes names such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Whoopi Goldberg and Kathleen Kennedy - held an emergency meeting on Saturday at the organisation's Beverly Hills headquarters and voted to strip away Weinstein's lifetime membership.
 

In a statement, the Academy said, "We do so 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."

But Oliver believes removing Weinstein is not enough on the Academy's part.

"So congratulations, Hollywood. See you at the next Oscars where and this is true Casey Affleck will be presenting best actress," he added.

Affleck was accused of sexual harassment by two women in 2010, who worked on his experimental film "I'm Still Here".

He won the Best Actor Oscar this year for "Manchester by the Sea" and as per the tradition, he will present the female actor with her trophy next year.

Oliver said a troubling pattern emerged in the Weinstein case is that people around him excused his behaviour.

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First Published: Oct 16 2017 | 1:57 PM IST

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