Back in October, when it was announced that Harvey Weinstein was kicked out of the Academy, we wondered when Bill Cosby and Roman Polanksi’s day would come. Apparently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) thinks the time is now.
In a statement released by the AMPAS, they announced that comedian Bill Cosby and filmmaker Roman Polanski have been expelled from the Academy:
“The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors met on Tuesday night (May 1) and has voted to expel actor Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership in accordance with the organization’s Standards of Conduct. The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy’s values of respect for human dignity.”
This comes shortly after the conviction of Bill Cosby on three counts of sexual assault against Andrea Constand. Of course, Constand was just one of many (upwards of 60+ women) who came forward with stories of sexual misconduct and assault by Cosby. However, Constand’s court case was the only one, so far, that has resulted in a conviction. Now, Cosby awaits his sentencing.
Roman Polanski is another controversial figure in Hollywood. In 1977, the filmmaker was arrested and charged with five sexual abuse offenses against a 13-year-old girl. After accepting a plea deal for a lesser charge, in exchange for the other charges being dismissed, Polanski assumed he would have probation. However, when it was apparent there would be jail time, the director fled the country and has been living overseas ever since.
While it’s clear why the AMPAS made the decision to expel Cosby at this time, it’s curious why they waited so long on Polanski. In fact, since his arrest and charges, Polanski has been nominated twice for Best Director Oscars, winning one in 2003 for “The Pianist.” Obviously, the director didn’t show up to the awards ceremony in 2003, due to his fear of arrest.