International Academy withdraws award to Kevin Spacey

The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has rescinded an award to Kevin Spacey as a result of an allegation of sexual misconduct against the two-time Oscar winner.

"The International Academy has announced today that in light of recent events it will not honor Kevin Spacey with the 2017 International Emmy Founders Award," the organization said in a one-sentence statement on Monday.

The International Emmy Founders Award is a special award designed for "an individual who crosses cultural boundaries to touch humanity."

The Academy said in June that it would present the award to Spacey at the 45th International Emmy Awards Gala to be held on Nov. 20 in New York.

But Spacey, a "House of Cards" actor, became involved last weekend in a swirl of sex scandals that have rocked Hollywood since former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was exposed earlier this month for his sexual harassment and workplace intimidation against young female stars.

"Star Trek: Discovery" actor Anthony Rapp alleged that Spacey made sexual advances toward him back in 1986 when he was 14 years old.

Spacey quickly apologized for the incident and came out as gay, but the timing of that revelation was blasted in Hollywood.

"Coming out stories should not be used to deflect from allegations of sexual assault," many celebrities tweeted.

Spacey, 58, is a famous American actor, film director, producer, screenwriter and singer. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for "The Usual Suspects" (1995) and the Academy Award for Best Actor for "American Beauty" (1999).

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)