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Harvey Weinstein Expelled From Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/CBSNews/AP) -- Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the academy's board of governors said in a statement Saturday.

The board met Saturday to discuss the sexual abuse allegations against the disgraced movie mogul, and voted "well in excess of the required two-thirds majority" to immediately expel him.

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"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," the statement read in part. "What's at issue here is a deeply troubling problem that has no place in our society. The Board continues to work to establish ethical standards of conduct that all Academy members will be expected to exemplify."

Weinstein will no longer be able to vote for nominees or winners for the Academy Awards. He's already been suspended by the British Film Academy, CBS News reports.

More: Harvey Weinstein Scandal Shines Spotlight On Sexual Abuse In The Workplace

The vote comes after recent reports by The New York Times and The New Yorker revealed more than two dozen sexual harassment and rape allegations against Weinstein -- including some from actresses Angelina Jolie, Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow -- dating back decades.

Only one person is thought to have been previously expelled from the academy: Carmine Caridi, a character actor who had his membership revoked in 2004 for lending DVD screeners of films in contention for Oscars that ended up online.

The academy's swift and severe ruling against Weinstein may raise questions about other academy members who remain in good standing. These include Roman Polanski, an Oscar-winner who in the 1970s pleaded guilty to drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl, and entertainer Bill Cosby, who has faced dozens of allegations of sexual assault.

Weinstein was ousted a week ago from The Weinstein Co., the movie and TV production company he co-founded with his brother. He has apologized for his behavior, but also denies that any non-consensual sex took place.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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