Harvey Weinstein faces losing CBE amid sexual assault claims

Harvey Weinstein could be stripped of his CBE following allegations of sexual assault made against the Hollywood producer, the BBC understands.

The removal of the honour is believed to be being "actively considered" by the government's Honours Forfeiture Committee for the first time.

He was awarded an honorary CBE for outstanding contribution to the British film industry in 2004.

Bafta has already suspended Weinstein's membership.

A Cabinet Office spokesman said forfeiture action "is confidential" and he could not comment on whether a specific case was being considered by the committee.

More than two dozen women - among them actresses Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan - have made accusations against him including rape and sexual assault.

Weinstein insists sexual relations he had were consensual.

The latest claim against him came from actress and writer Brit Marling, who described an encounter in 2014 in which she claimed the movie mogul suggested they shower together.

A number of organisations have distanced themselves from the American.

The Oscars board voted to expel the 65-year-old, whose films have won 81 Oscars.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) suspended him and said it hoped the announcement would send "a clear message".

A group of Labour MPs, including Jess Phillips and Chi Onwurah, have written to the prime minister calling for his CBE to be removed.