Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Academy President John Bailey Dismissed After Internal Investigation

By Corey Atad. Published: 27 Mar 2018 7:51 AM Last updated: 28 Mar 2018 7:51 AM

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has dismissed a sexual harassment complaint against its president John Bailey.

Earlier this month, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter cited unnamed sources in reporting that the Academy had opened an investigation into the 75-year-old president and former cinematographer after allegedly receiving three complaints of harassment.

On Tuesday, the Academy released a statement, telling THR, “The Committee unanimously determined that no further action was merited on this matter. The findings and recommendations of the committee were reported to the Board which endorsed its recommendation. John Bailey remains President of the Academy.”

The Academy’s statement also clarified that there had been only one complaint against Bailey, adding that “it took the complaint very seriously.”

The specific details and nature of the complaint was not disclosed in the Academy’s statement.

In a memo to Academy staff obtained by THR and Variety last week, Bailey denied the reports, saying they are “false and have served only to tarnish my 50 year career.”

“The fact that the existence of an allegation even became public thwarts the confidential review process that the Academy adopted and is supposed to follow when receiving complaints,” Bailey wrote.

Bailey acknowledged that he has had a complaint lodged against him about a past incident, though he denied that allegation as well.

“There was a single named complaint regarding an allegation dating back more than a decade ago in which I am alleged to have to attempted to touch a woman inappropriately while we were both riding in a transport van on a movie set,” he explained. “That did not happen.”

“While I cannot undo the damage of having a false narrative leaked to the press I expect the committee will undertake its obligation to review this matter faithfully,” Bailed added.

Bailey concluded: “I care deeply about women’s issues and support equal treatment and access for all individuals working in this profession. I am proud to serve as President of the Academy and am committed to carrying on the important work the board elected me to do.”