Film Academy President John Bailey Faces Sexual Harassment Investigation

Three claims of harassment were brought to the academy on Wednesday, Variety says

John Bailey Oscar
AMPAS

Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences President John Bailey is under investigation following multiple accusations of sexual harassment, Variety reported Friday.

The Academy received three harassment claims on Wednesday, then immediately began an inquiry into the matter, the report said. If suspended or removed over the investigation, Bailey would be replaced by Academy first vice president and makeup artist Lois Burwell.

A subcommittee of the Academy board led by casting director David Rubin is heading up the investigation, according to Variety. But the exact nature of the accusations is not yet known.

The Academy would not confirm Bailey was under investigation in a statement about the report, but issued the following response to TheWrap:

“The Academy treats any complaints confidentially to protect all parties. The Membership Committee reviews all complaints brought against Academy members according to our Standards of Conduct process, and after completing reviews, reports to the Board of Governors. We will not comment further on such matters until the full review is completed.”

Bailey did not respond to requests for comment.

The 75-year-old cinematographer was elected to his position last August, and was the first-ever president from the cinematographers branch of the organization that chooses the annual Academy Award winners.

The accusations come after months of upheaval in show business following the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The Academy revoked Weinstein’s membership after dozens of women came forward accusing him of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. Weinstein has consistently denied engaging in any nonconsensual sex.

In December, the Academy issued renewed “standards of conduct” to which it expects its members to adhere.

“There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency,” the standards read. “The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality.”

Bailey’s film credits include “American Gigolo,” “Ordinary People,” “The Big Chill,” “Groundhog Day,” “The Way, Way Back” and “A Walk in the Woods.”

He also directed the 1991 Ed Harris movie “China Moon,” the 1996 indie drama “Mariette in Ecstasy” and the 2001 music doc “NSync: Bigger Than Life.”

He has never been nominated for an Oscar for his work.

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