The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially removed both Bill Cosby and Roman Polanski from its rolls. The announcement came on Thursday along with a statement from the Academy.
“The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”
Cosby’s removal from the organization follows his recent conviction for aggravated indecent assault, and is the latest in a string of similar events. Yale University, for the first time in its 300 year history, rescinded Cosby’s honorary degree just days ago. Cosby has also been expelled from the Television Hall of Fame.
The Academy’s action against Polanski was long overdue, by many accounts. He had remained in good standing with the Academy for four decades despite fleeing the United States to avoid prison time after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl. He was nominated for five awards and even won Best Director for 2003’s “The Pianist” — an award that he will not be required to surrender.
I like how they slipped Roman Polanski in there, thinking we won’t notice. Way to take immediate action…decades in the making. https://t.co/RJGr582zzn
— Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) May 3, 2018
Roman Polanski was first accused of raping a 13-year-old 41 years ago.
Say what u will about the Oscars, but they sure are swift with the justice https://t.co/0YtqPB2qgw
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) May 3, 2018
Cosby and Polanski join disgraced mogul Harvey Weinstein to round out the Academy’s expulsions in response to the #MeToo movement.