"We appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the show," an Academy Awards spokeswoman said.
ADVERTISEMENTOscar-winning Casey Affleck has withdrawn as a presenter for the 2018 Academy Awards.
The 42-year-old won Best Actor Oscar last year for his performance in the family drama "Manchester by the Sea" and was expected to present this year's best actress award in keeping with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tradition.
A publicist for Affleck, Mara Buxbaum, confirmed that he will not be attending this year's ceremony. It is scheduled for March 4 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Allegations of sexual harassment
Affleck has been accused of sexual harassment by female crew members.
Two lawsuits were filed by female crew members in 2010 alleging unwanted advances on a film set. They were settled out of court for undisclosed sums.
A lawyer for Affleck denied the accusations at the time.
Who is Casey Affleck?
He is the younger brother of actor and director Ben Affleck and adopts a lower profile than his brother.
He has focused his career on smaller, independent ventures with strong character-driven plots such as "Gone Baby Gone".
He quietly separated from his wife, actress Summer Phoenix, two years ago. The nine-year marriage produced two sons.
What they are saying
"We appreciate the decision to keep the focus on the show and on the great work of this year," - Academy spokeswoman.