Casey Affleck Won't Be Presenting At The 2018 Oscars

The actor, who had previously settled two sexual harassment lawsuits, won't be handing out this year's best actress prize.

Last year, Casey Affleck won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Manchester by the Sea. Traditionally, this means that he would be in line to present the award for Best Actress at this year's Oscars.

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But on Thursday, an Oscars spokesperson confirmed to BuzzFeed News that Affleck had withdrawn himself from presenting at the award show.

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The actor, who settled two 2010 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment, has chosen not to attend the Academy Awards at a time when sexual harassment and assault in Hollywood has become a major topic of conversation.

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Producer Amanda White and cinematographer Magdalena Gorka, who worked on the 2010 film I’m Still Here with Casey Affleck, sued the actor in a civil court, alleging he had sexually harassed them and behaved inappropriately on set — claims he vehemently denied.

White said Affleck asked her to stay in his hotel room and “grabbed her” after she rejected him.

Gorka said Affleck climbed into bed with her one night after shooting, wrapped his arms around her, and grew angry when she asked him to leave. She also said Affleck told her that she should have sex with one of the film’s camera assistants when filming on set one day.

In November 2016, Affleck told the New York Times Magazine, “It was settled to the satisfaction of all. I was hurt and upset — I am sure all were — but I am over it. It was an unfortunate situation — mostly for the innocent bystanders of the families of those involved.”

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A spokesperson for Affleck did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.