Film Academy President John Bailey On Sex Harassment: “That Did Not Happen”

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president John Bailey has issued a letter to his staff denying recent sexual harassment allegations made against him.

The Academy reportedly received three sexual harassment complaints earlier this month against Bailey, but details of the allegations have not been revealed.

Bailey, 75, was voted in as the Academy’s new president in August, replacing Cheryl Boone Isaacs. The longtime AMPAS member had been president of the Cinematographers branch and previously served as a VP. His DP credits include Groundhog Day, American Gigolo, As Good As It Gets and The Kid Stays in the Picture.

Today, Bailey responded to the allegations in a letter to his staff. He said one complaint dates back a decade.

“I am alleged to have attempted to touch a woman inappropriately while we were both riding in a transport van on a movie set,” Bailey wrote. “That did not happen.”

The complete letter:

Dear staff:

I have refrained from comment on the various media accounts about me of the past several days because I wanted to allow the Academy process to play out. However, in light of several repeated false stories, I feel compelled to set the record straight with those of you who work side by side with me on behalf of the Academy. The media reports describing multiple complaints made to the Academy about me 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.

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. That did not happen.

I have supported women throughout my career and am heartened by the outpouring of support I have received from numerous women with whom I have worked and supported during my career

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. Because I know the facts, I expect they will conclude that there is no basis to take any action against me. While there have been well documented instances of individuals in this industry not treating women with respect, I am not one of them. 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