"Harvey Weinstein is a sexual predator who has used his clout, his power, and his wealth to abuse women for decades." - National Organisation For Women

It has been widely reported over the last week that film producer Harvey Weinstein has allegedly been using his power and wealth to prey on and abuse women for decades.

As someone in the film industry, I’m a filmmaker and have lectured in Film and Media studies, I know that Weinstein’s reputation was notorious. But nobody spoke up - because everyone was too afraid. The industry has a lot of questions to ask itself - and to take responsibility for a culture of sexual abuse that has become accepted as the norm.

That’s why I’m campaigning to demand that Harvey Weinstein be removed and banished from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for life.

This will take away Weinstein's ability to vote for Oscar nominees and to attend the annual Oscars ceremony and take away some of the power he has built up to make himself so invincible. It's time for organisations like The Academy to take a stand against Weinstein's behaviour and set an example for others to follow.

UPDATE: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have officially voted to expel Harvey Weinstein from their membership. This is after a meeting was held earlier today at The Academy headquarters to decide on Weinstein's fate.

The Academy had this to say in a statement released after the decision was made :

"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 willful ignorance and shameful complicity in sexually predatory behavior and workplace harassment in our industry is over."

A digital copy of the petition had been delivered to The Academy before the meeting, with their CEO Dawn Hudson officially confirming it had been received during a short phone call.

The Academy had perviously called Weinstein's behaviour "repugnant" and setup an emergency meeting for Saturday 14th October 2017 to discuss the situation. This came after BAFTA (the "British Oscars") had expelled Weinstein from the their membership and condemned his behaviour.

Thank you all for supporting this petition, it's truly appreciated!

NOTE TO MEDIA: If you would like to contact me, please e-mail: novote4weinstein@gmail.com