Harvey Weinstein given lifetime ban from the Producers Guild

Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused by dozens of women of sexual misconduct, has been banned for life from the Producers Guild of America.

Earlier this month, the guild voted to begin termination proceedings, but gave Weinstein time to respond to the allegations made against him, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

According to its rules, it is required that a member be given 15 days notice before disciplinary action is taken. But the PGA received notice that rather than face the guild's charges, Weinstein elected to resign his membership.

In a statement issued by the Guild, the organisation announced that it is banning Weinstein for life from being a member of the organization.

The statement read, "In light of Mr. Weinstein's widely reported behaviour, with new reports continuing to surface even now, the Producers Guild's National Board has voted unanimously to enact a lifetime ban on Mr. Weinstein, permanently barring him from PGA membership. This unprecedented step is a reflection of the seriousness with which the Guild regards the numerous reports of Mr. Weinstein's decades of reprehensible conduct."

The statement added, "Sexual harassment can no longer be tolerated in our industry or within the ranks of Producers Guild membership. As stated previously, the PGA's Officers and National Board of Directors have created the Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force specifically charged with researching and proposing substantive and effective solutions to combat sexual harassment in the entertainment industry."

Just four years ago, Weinstein and his brother Bob were feted by the PGA at its 2013 awards ceremony, where they were presented with the Milestone Award, the guild's highest honour.

In the last several weeks, almost 100 women have made claims against Weinstein for harassment and assault spanning 40 years. 

-ANI