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DGA Initiates Process of Ejecting Movie Producer Harvey Weinstein Amid Allegations

The Directors Guild of America has initiated the process of ejecting disgraced movie producer Harvey Weinstein from its ranks in the wake of a cascade of sexual harassment and sexual assault accusations, the organization announced Saturday.

"President Thomas Schlamme today announced that the Directors Guild of America filed disciplinary charges against DGA member Harvey Weinstein on October 13, 2017,'' read a statement posted to the DGA's official website. "The DGA has a long-standing practice of not commenting on internal union matters, but has decided to make an exception in this case to acknowledge the filing of charges. However, because of due process concerns that are a part of federal requirements for labor unions, the DGA cannot comment further." 

Weinstein has already been fired from The Weinstein Company, expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, suspended by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and put on a path to expulsion by the Producers Guild of America.

Weinstein, 65, is believed to be in Arizona undergoing sex-addiction therapy. He has apologized for his behavior, but through a spokeswoman, he has denied sexually assaulting anyone.

"Any allegations of non-consensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein," Sallie Hofmeister said. "Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances. Mr. Weinstein obviously can't speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual. Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance." 

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced that it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Weinstein.

That allegation was made by an Italian model-actress who claims Weinstein raped her in 2013 at a hotel while she was in town for an Italian film festival.

Police in New York and London have said they are investigating allegations of sexual assault involving Weinstein. The Los Angeles Times reported that the NYPD has two active sex crime investigations into Weinstein, while London authorities are investigating allegations made by three women.

The DGA also said Saturday that its national board "had an important discussion about sexual harassment in our industry following allegations of serious misconduct that have recently come to light,'' and adopted the following statement:

"The DGA condemns sexual harassment. There must be no tolerance for such deplorable abuses of power. This isn't about one person. We must recognize sexual harassment is endemic in our society, and painfully, in our industry.

"We believe that every individual has the right to a safe workplace. The unfortunate truth is that there are those who abuse the power that they hold.

"For far too long, many have not spoken out -- directors, agents, crew, executives, performers, producers, writers. This shameful code of complicity must be broken.

"As directors and team members who solve problems for a living, we are committed to eradicating the scourge of sexual harassment on our industry." 

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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