The British Film Institute has withdrawn the BFI Fellowship it awarded to Harvey Weinstein in the wake of the allegations of sexual assault and harassment against him.

The BFI Fellowship is the highest honour the BFI can bestow, and it was bestowed on Weinstein in 2002.

The BFI move follows a decision last week by BAFTA to suspend Harvey Weinstein’s membership of the organisation.

The BFI’s board concluded that “the serious and widespread allegations about Harvey Weinstein’s appalling conduct are in direct opposition to the BFI’s values.”

In a statement the BFI added:  “Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying is unacceptable under any circumstances. Everyone working in the film industry – in any industry – should be safe and respected in the workplace. We wholeheartedly support those brave enough to come forward and speak out. The film industry needs more women represented on every level, on and off screen.

“Advocating for better inclusion and representation is central to the BFI’s strategic priorities. We are acting urgently by gathering together a wide range of industry partners, and with advice from Acas, to jointly develop a new set of principles to address bullying and harassment and help people in the industry to be better supported.  This new set of principles will be incorporated in the BFI’s Diversity Standards, which we are strongly encouraging the screen industries to adopt.”
 
Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Heather Graham are some of the stars who have come forward with allegations against Weinstein.

Earlier this week, Amazon Studios accepted the resignation of its top executive, Roy Price, following sexual harassment allegations made by a producer on the Amazon series Man in the High Castle.

Staff Reporter

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