Eight Years Ago Today, the Academy Expelled Bill Cosby

Eight years ago today, the most elite and prestigious organization in the film industry made a rare and bold move against Bill Cosby.

Known for his warm and charismatic on-screen presence, the award-winning comedian became widely celebrated for his legacy through the hit TV show The Cosby Show, earning him the title of "America's Dad."

However, amid the glory and acclaim attached to his name, it was shattered when he became entangled in a major controversy.

On May 3, 2018, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sent shockwaves through Hollywood after expelling the actor and television producer as one of its members.

At the time, the organization announced that both Cosby and director Roman Polanski would be removed following the vote by the Academy's Board of Governors for violating the standards of conduct.

"The Board continues to encourage ethical standards that require members to uphold the Academy's values of respect for human dignity," the statement reads, as cited by BBC.

The decision was publicly announced a week after the Ghost Dad star was found guilty of assaulting a woman.

What Did Bill Cosby Get Accused of Doing?

Back in 2004, Andrea Constand, a former staff member of Temple University, linked the host to sexually assaulting and drugging her at his suburban Philadelphia home.

After the incident was reported in 2005 and dismissed for insufficient evidence and after a civil lawsuit was filed in 2006 and reportedly settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, the case was reopened in 2015 following the release of hidden legal documents.

It was in 2018 that the retrial took place, resulting in Cosby being sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.

It was in 2021 when he was set free from prison after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction.

As for the acclaimed director known for his psychological thrillers like Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown, he was convicted of statutory rape involving a 13-year-old following his confession.

Cosby and Polanski weren't the only ones who were kicked out of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The list includes renowned film producer Harvey Weinstein, who faced sexual assault accusations made by over 80 women.

Another is cinematographer Adam Kimmel, whose notable projects were the 2005 movie Capote and Never Let Me Go in 2010.

He was expelled as one of the members of the Academy after being arrested for sexual crimes involving underage girls in 2003 and 2010.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 9:39 AM.