Harvey Weinstein expelled from TV Academy amid claims he 'hired ex-Mossad spies to keep tabs on actresses'

Banned for life: Harvey Weinstein
AP
Fiona Simpson7 November 2017

Harvey Weinstein has been expelled for life by the organisers of the Emmy Awards.

The Television Academy voted to impose the ban on Monday following a mountain of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against the disgraced movie mogul.

It said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that it supported "those speaking out against harassment in all forms and stands behind those who have been affected by this issue".

It added: "The unfolding and widespread examples of this horrific behaviour are deeply disturbing to the Academy's leadership.

"We have been in contact with leaders across the industry and share with them a deep sense of responsibility to provide clear workplace benchmarks reflecting decency and respect.

Seven women have come forward as part of a Scotland Yard probe into sex assaults linked to Harvey Weinstein

"As a result, we are expediting an already-begun detailed review and revision of our Television Academy membership codes of conduct. We are determined to play a role in protecting all television professionals from predatory harassment, ensuring they are able to practise their craft in a safe environment."

Last month Weinstein was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hosts the Oscars, and had his membership of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) suspended.

The Producers Guild also revoked his membership and the British Film Institute withdrew a fellowship Weinstein had received in 2002.

The 65-year-old, who has "unequivocally denied" allegations of non-consensual sex, is facing criminal investigations in both the US and the UK.

The move comes amid allegations Weinstein paid private investigators to track actresses and journalists in a bid to hide his predatory behaviour.

US journalist Rowan Farrow, who wrote an expose on Weinstein for the New Yorker, has claimed the producer hired firms like Black Cube, which is largely made up of ex-Mossad officers and other Israeli intelligence agencies, to look into women who could potentially go on the record over sexual harassment and assault claims.

Farrow also claimed he used agents to look into journalists, including himself, Fox News reported.

Allegations: Actress Rose McGowan
REUTERS

Two investigators reportedly gathered information on Charmed actress Rose McGowan who has publically made claims against Weinstein.

The story revealed that “dozens” of documents and audio recordings were provided to Weinstein with information on actresses he allegedly assaulted and journalists.

Psychological profiles were allegedly created including information of past relationships, sexual histories and evidence of positive meetings between Weinstein and any potential accusers.

A representative for Weinstein denied that anyone was targeted or suppressed at any time when contacted by Fox News.

Representatives for Weinstein did not respond to Fox News when reached for comment.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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