The president John Bailey of the Academy of Motion Pictures, the organization that hands out the Oscars, has been accused of sexual misconduct, Hollywood trade publications reported on Friday.

Citing unidentified sources, the Hollywood Reporter and Variety are both reported that the academy received three claims of sexual harassment against John Bailey on Thursday and began an investigation. They did not give details. He is an American cinematographer and film director best known for his collaborations with directors Paul Schrader, Lawrence Kasdan, Michael Apted, and Ken Kwapison

Bailey, a 75-year-old director and cinematographer, was elected president of the academy August 2017.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a brief statement, "The Academy treats any complaints confidentially to protect all parties," it said

"The Membership Committee reviews all complaints brought against Academy members according to our Standards of Conduct process, and after completing reviews reports to the Board of Governors. We will not comment further on such matters until the full review is completed."

A representative for Bailey did not reply to a request for comment.

This report on Friday came two weeks after the annual Oscar ceremony, where the sexual misconduct scandal that has rocked Hollywood was a major issue.

The #metoo movement against sexual misconduct has followed revelations from more than 70 women who have accused Weinstein of sexual misbehaviour, including rape. Weinstein has denied having nonconsensual sex with anyone.