The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says it is reviewing the status of Paul Haggis’ membership after a civil trial that resulted in the director being ordered to pay $7.5 million in compensatory damages and $2.5 million in punitive damages.
“The Academy will address this matter according to our Standards of Conduct and the due process requirements under California nonprofit corporation law,”In a statement, the organization stated that they will.
As reported in “The Wrap,”The director of “Crash”Haleigh Breest was forced sex on her in 2013. He was recently found liable for damages. The filmmaker had claimed that the encounter was consensual, and that Haleigh Breest was a former freelance publicist who was looking for a quick payday. He also claimed that the accusations were a Scientologist plot. After 15 days of deliberation, the civil jury in New York dismissed all three defenses.
In the Academy’s 94-year history, it has expelled just five previous members: Carmine Caridi, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski and cinematographer Adam Kimmel.
The Ankler newsletter reported the news first.