Gadot backs out of Awards dinner honouring Ratner

Los Angeles, Oct 28 (IANS) "Wonder Woman" star Gal Gadot has dropped out of an awards celebration honouring director and producer Brett Ratner.

Gadot was set to present the Tree of Life Award to Ratner at a dinner for the Jewish National Fund on Sunday at the Loews Hollywood Hotel here. However, the actress backed out of the event within the last 24 hours, reports variety.com.

Gadot's representatives did not respond to repeated requests for comment about her decision. Ratner's representatives also declined to comment.

Nina Gordon, a spokeswoman working on the event, said the organisation was told that Gadot had a scheduling conflict.

"Apparently she is stuck on promo stuff for 'Justice League' for China, and she's not going to be back in time. We just found this out and everyone is scrambling," Gordon said.

In an Instagram post on Friday, Gadot said: "That's it for now, China. Thank you for having us."

The news of Gadot's withdrawal from the event comes as leading Hollywood figures face increasing scrutiny in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sex harassment scandal.

Ratner was once accused of masturbating in front of actress Olivia Munn on a movie set. Ratner is also close friends with director James Toback, whom more than 300 women have recently accused of sexual misconduct.

Gadot posted recently on Instagram saying "Bullying and sexual harassment is unacceptable! I stand by all the courageous women confronting their fears and speaking out. Together we stand. We are all united in this time of change."