Geoffrey Rush resigns from Australian film body

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Los Angeles: Oscar-winning Australian actor Geoffrey Rush has resigned as President of the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA). The move follows allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

The allegations first emerged on Wednesday when the Sydney Theatre Company (STC) revealed that it had received a complaint about Rush after he appeared in its presentation of 'King Lear' two years ago. Neither the STC nor Rush have provided any detail of the allegations.

Rush, known for films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Shakespeare in Love', has accused the STC of smearing his name. He resigned from AACTA on Saturday, reports variety.com.

AACTA acknowledges the decision of Geoffrey Rush to voluntarily step aside as President of AACTA and accepts and respects his decision to do so. 

"We have been deeply concerned about the situation and support a course of action that both respects Geoffrey's rights to the presumption of innocence and due process, but also acknowledges good corporate governance in these circumstances," AACTA said in a statement posted on its website.

The organisation is scheduled to hold its annual awards lunch on December 4. The seventh edition of its annual awards follow two days later.