The following article contains allegations of sexual misconduct that some readers may find distressing.
Casey Affleck will not return to the Academy Awards a year after his career-defining Oscars win.
The Manchester by the Sea actor had been expected to fulfil the tradition of the previous year's Best Actor announcing the next Best Actress at the Oscars, but Casey's reps have confirmed to CNN that he won't be attending the March gala.
Affleck became a lightning rod for controversy in the run-up and aftermath to winning the Best Actor race for Manchester by the Sea when past allegations of sexual misconduct resurfaced last spring.
Years ago, he was sued by two co-workers on his 2010 pseudo-mockumentary I'm Still Here over claims of misconduct. Both suits were settled out of court.
When the allegations initially resurfaced last year, Affleck told the Boston Globe: "I believe that any kind of mistreatment of anyone for any reason is unacceptable and abhorrent, and everyone deserves to be treated with respect in the workplace and anywhere else."
Affleck was given the award by the year's previous Best Actress winner Brie Larson, who noticeably chose not to clap for him as he accepted the trophy.
"I think that whatever it was that I did on stage kind of spoke for itself," she later told Vanity Fair. "I've said all that I need to say about that topic."
One year later, the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have raised awareness about the prevalence of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, so any appearance from Affleck at the Oscars would potentially cause controversy.
Jimmy Kimmel will be hosting the 90th Academy Awards live on ABC in the US on Sunday, March 4 from Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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