Cosby, Polanski expelled from Oscars academy

Comedian Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski have been expelled from the Academy of Motion Pictures, the body that awards the Oscars.

The academy said its board of governors had voted to show them the door, adding that it was required to "uphold values of respect for human dignity".

Polanski, who won a best director Oscar for 2002 film The Pianist, remains a fugitive after fleeing the US in 1978. He had pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor.

"The board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy's values of respect for human dignity," the body whose 8,000 members vote on the Oscars said in the statement.

The expulsion comes as the entertainment industry grapples with misconduct allegations that have led to dozens of politicians, businessmen and entertainers stepping down or being dropped from creative projects, sparking the #MeToo social movement and the Time's Up campaign against workplace harassment and equal pay.

Cosby, 80, who was known as "America's Dad" for his role on popular 1980s TV comedy "The Cosby Show," was convicted last week of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. 

He faces up to 30 years in prison, and his attorney has vowed to appeal the conviction.

Polanski, 84, who won the best director Oscar in 2003 for "The Pianist," in 1977 admitted to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in Los Angeles.

The French-Polish director lives in France and fled the United States following pleading guilty for fear his deal with prosecutors would be overruled and he would get a lengthy prison term. 

Polanski's case is ongoing.

His attorney Harland Braun said Polanski was not given the chance to present his case before the Academy.

"It's just shocking that the Academy would expel someone without a fair hearing," Bruan said in a telephone interview.

In response, the Academy pointed to its conduct code, which says the board "retains its independent duty and authority ... to address and take action on any matter."

The Academy declined to say if Cosby and Polanski's convictions played a role in their expulsion.

Four Academy members are now known to have been expelled. 

Once powerful producer Harvey Weinstein was expelled in October after numerous women accused him of decades-long sexual misconduct.

Weinstein, 66, has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.

Actor Carmine Caridi was expelled in 2004 for distributing copies of films that are sent to members.

Source: The London Evening Standard