With less than 100 members, HFPA accepts less than five new members every year, and "any member can veto a newcomer's application in voting done by secret ballot," reports The Washington Post. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! A cause of. Magazines, Digital Philip Berk, a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the past 44 years and an eight-term past president of the group behind the Golden Globe Awards, has been expelled from . Then, Fraser said, Berk groped him. Then, he said, the HFPA asked him to sign a joint statement saying the investigation found that Berk touched Fraser inappropriately but "the evidence supports that it was intended to be taken as a joke and not as a sexual advance.". Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me., The HFPA responded late Thursday, saying in a statement that the group "stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article. In a new GQ profile titled What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser?,the actor remembers being groped byPhilip Berk in the summer of 2003. Over the years weve continued a positive working relationship with Brendan, which includes announcing Golden Globe nominees, attending the ceremony and participating in press conferences. I felt like a little kid. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the 87-member organization that presents the Golden Globe Awards, issued a statement Saturday in response to increasing criticism concerning its lack of . Although it's still up in the air whether or not this might be the final nail in the Golden Globes' coffin, some say that the Golden Globes simply aren't worth saving. "I felt ill," Fraser said. But Fraser said the HFPA refused to share the report. . This came after the 2021 Golden Globe Awards, which notably snubbed Black-led projects such as "Judas and the Black Messiah," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and "One Night in Miami." This report includes alleged information that the HFPA was previously unaware of and at this time we are investigating further details surrounding the incident.. September 8, 2021 4:57pm Courtesy HFPA Fighting to stay alive, the beleaguered Hollywood Foreign Press Association has elected a nearly 20-year veteran to lead the group into what may or may. The only other time Berk was exiled from the group was in 2014, when he took a six month leave of absence after his memoir came out. However, in an official statement Friday the HFPA stated that "the report included alleged information that the association had previously been unaware of" and that it "stands firmly against sexual harassmentand type of behavior described in this article.". All rights reserved. Do I feel like I need to say something? I dont know if this curried disfavor with the group, with the HFPA. The 49-year-old Fraser told GQ about the alleged incident at a 2003 luncheon in the Beverly Hills Hotel. "I'm humbled to be elected by my peers and colleagues here at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and. Screenrant reports that WarnerMedia also joined the boycott and in their official press release, "called the HFPA out for a history of sexist, racist, and homophobic questions directed at actors and creatives at past press events.". Perhaps best known for starring as Rick O'Connell in The Mummy trilogy and the title character in 1997's George of the Jungle, actor Brendan Fraser was an omnipresent Hollywood fixture in the 1990s and the first half of the 2000s. I haven't spoken to them in years, but they're my friends. You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. There's many reasons, but was this one of them? Absolutely, he said. 2023 IndieWire Media, LLC. In an interview with GQ, he confessed, "His left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. This lack of representation also affects the films highlighted by the Golden Globes, which has been criticized numerous times for its lack of racial diversity in both nominations and awards. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. In recounting this incident to GQ, Fraser stated that "his left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me And he starts moving it around." Berk was the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards. Legal Statement. Peter Jackson seems to confirm Weinstein blacklisted Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd. ", Related: Peter Jackson seems to confirm Weinstein blacklisted Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Fraser added that he was emboldened to come forward by the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, saying: "I know Rose [McGowan], I know Ashley [Judd], I know Mira [Sorvino] I've worked with them. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group behind the Golden Globes, has approved a new set of bylaws, in an effort to remedy the diversity and ethical issues that sparked. And he starts moving it around, Fraser claimed. "Am I still frightened? From 'Nymphomaniac' to 'Little Ashes': Unsimulated Sex Scenes in 36 Films, I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative, Fraser said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This also isn't the first time that NBC has declined to broadcast the Golden Globes. Legal Statement. Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article, the association said in a statement, according to People. Out in the cold with the likes of Netflix, Amazon, WarnerMedia and other studios and networks, plus essentially boycotted by top flacks and hence their top-tier clients, the HFPAs new president plans to begin a charm offensive to convince Hollywood stakeholders that things trulyhave changed for the better at the organization. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Have I stopped myself? All Rights Reserved. Scarlett Johansson has publicly stated that she will be taking a step back from HFPA-associated events, which she says have frequently involved "facing sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment." Have I wanted to many, many times? Its a privilege to lead this organization as we continue on the path of fundamental change and reform, the Hamburg-born writer Hoehne said Wednesday of her election. I felt like a little kid. I felt ill. "I felt like a little kid. One member confused Daniel Kaluuya for another Black actor, Leslie Odom Jr., just minutes after Kaluuya's Oscar win, while a former Hollywood Foreign Press president was expelled from the group . In. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Varietyadds that there's infighting among active HFPA members in terms of "how to reform and how to respond to its critics. "), Letter aside, Fraser said, the experience "made me retreat. He rushed home and told his wife about the encounter, but was afraid to go public with the incident. Berk has repeatedly claimed that all he did was jokingly pinch Fraser's butt. Berk recounted the incident in his memoir "With Signs and Wonders," but said he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke. There have also been numerous claims that voters are easily swayed. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. head of Hollywood Foreign Press . Have I stopped myself? He says he didn't have the courage to speak out about it earlier because of the "risk of humiliation, or damage to my career.. However it's possible that this might send a message to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, especially since Cruise isn't known for protests, while HFPA is known for monopolizing the time of leading entertainers. I thought I was going to cry.. In the same interview, Fraser claimed that he was sexually assaulted by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, in 2003. I dont know if this curried disfavor with the group, with the HFPA. The crisis-plagued Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the body that organises the Golden Globes, has expelled Philip Berk, its former president who sparked widespread outrage by sharing . Absolutely, he says. Market data provided by Factset. This report includes alleged information that the HFPA was previously unaware of and at this time we are investigating further details surrounding the incident.. Fraser alleged in an interview with GQ magazine that former Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk intimately groped him. ", Kourtney Kardashian Shut Down a Fan Who Asked If She's Pregnant and Ignited a Debate About Women's Bodies. Write to Abigail Abrams at abigail.abrams@time.com. What to Know About Michelle Wolf the 2018 WHCA Dinner Host, Underwater Noise Pollution Is Disrupting Ocean LifeBut We Can Fix It. It made me feel reclusive. His career seemed on hold. As the Golden Globes-presenting group hopes to find its way back into a Tinseltown power position, old-guarder Hoehne has her work cut out for her especially with NBC having pulled the plug on the 2022 Globes in May as the organization became mired in more and more controversy over its members/ behavior and its lack of a single Black member. (Reps for Fraser and the HFPA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment). The actor said he told his then-wife, Afton Smith, about the incident, but did not speak publicly about it until this week. But the silence was deafening, he said, adding that he was rarely invited back to the Globes after 2003. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. The event left Fraser depressed and reclusive, he says, adding thathe was rarely invited back to the Globes after 2003. Brendan Fraser Gets Emotional on Hearing TikTok Is Rooting for Him: 'Shucks, Ma'am', Brendan Fraser Gets Candid: Five Things We Learned About the Actor in Revealing New Interview, Golden Globes Voter Philip Berk, Previously Accused of Groping Brendan Fraser, Expelled by HFPA for Racist Email, Woody Allen Says He Would've Liked to Work with Jerry Lewis Before His Death: 'Immense Talent', Oscar-Winning 'Crash' Director Paul Haggis Arrested in Italy on Sexual Assault Charges: Reports, Amber Heard Says She 'Felt So Lonely' After Alleged Johnny Depp Sexual Assault: 'No One Knew', 'West Side Story' 's Rachel Zegler Addresses Ansel Elgort Allegations: 'There's Been a Lot of Awakening', University of Michigan Reaches $490M Settlement with More than 1,000 Sexual Assault Accusers, Singer Lisa Gentile Accuses Chris Noth of Sexually Assaulting Her and Threatening to 'Ruin' Her Career, Snoop Dogg Hilariously Mispronounces Names During 2022 Golden Globe Nominations: 'Work with Me Now', Rose McGowan Graphically Details Her Alleged Sexual Assault by Harvey Weinstein in New Book, T.J. Miller Denies Allegation He Sexually Assaulted and Punched Woman While in College. Since May, members have shown their commitment to creating a reimagined HFPA. We want to reiterate that the HFPA understands todayas it did 15 years agothat what Mr. Fraser experienced was inappropriate. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Brendan Fraser, who stars in "The Whale," claims former HFPA President Philip Berk sexually assaulted him in 2003. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Influencers: Profiles of a Partnership 2022, How to Pitch Stories and Articles to IndieWire, Leslie Grace Disagrees with Claim 'Batgirl' Was 'Unreleasable': There Was 'Potential for a Good Film', Brendan Fraser Says Lost Superman Role Would've Been 'Faustian Bargain' Anyway: 'I'm Not a One-Trick Pony', Oscars 2023: Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions, From 'Nymphomaniac' to 'Little Ashes': Unsimulated Sex Scenes in 36 Films. Brendan Fraser was sexually assaulted in 2003 by Phil Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that hosts the Golden Globes. He did have his reps ask the HFPA for a written apology, telling GQ that the HFPA agreed they would never allow Berk in a room with Fraser again. And he starts moving it around. In 2014, former HFPA president Philip Berk revealed in his memoir that Nicole Kidman received a nomination for "Billy Bathgate" because she did a HFPA interview, while her co-star, Dustin Hoffman, did not and received no nomination as a result. Berk says he just "pinched" the actor. According to Fraser, though, it wasn't a joke, and he was overcome with fear and had to remove Berk's hand. HFPA/GG will store your name and email address and use them to send the Weekly Globe newsletter. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. As Vox puts it, foreign journalists felt like they were being shut out compared to local journalists, which they likely were due to xenophobic discrimination during World War II. I felt ill. Berk tells the magazine the HFPA never retaliated against Fraser: His career declined through no fault of ours., Am I still frightened? ADVERTISEMENT Amid outcry, NBC says it will not air Golden Globes in 2022 By JAKE COYLE May 10, 2021 He previously. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and HFPA President Lorenzo Soria expressed his enthusiasm and hopes for what the grant bestowed upon CSUN will bring. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Lorenzo Soria has been re-elected president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the 2016-2017 year. According to Fraser, former HFPA President Phillip Berk assaulted him following a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Related (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage). This Article is related to: Film and tagged Brendan Fraser, Sexual Harassment. Berk, who has admitted to pinching Fraser's behind, denied that the incident went beyond that, saying, "Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication.". Have I stopped myself? Fraser also wondered if the HFPA had blacklisted him. the first of which spanned from 2003 . ", Fraser recalled that when he left the room, he saw a police officer but could not bring himself to report what happened. The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Brendan Fraser Says Lost Superman Role Would've Been 'Faustian Bargain' Anyway: 'I'm Not a One-Trick Pony' Brendan Fraser was at the peak of his career when he was sexually abused by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), as revealed in an interview published by GQ on Thursday. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association ( HFPA) addressed their controversial diversity issue, namely the fact that the organization currently has no Black members, during Sunday night's. Brendan Fraser became the latest actor to speak out about his own #MeToo experience this week as Hollywood continues to address its problems with sexual assault and harassment. In the midst of a crowded room, Fraser says, Berk reached out to shake the actor'shand, but instead grabbed his butt. "The Whale" star, 53, won't be attending the 2023 Golden Globe Awards next year even if he's nominated for his role in the highly-praised drama. I felt ill. We want to hear from you! ", In May 2021, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association responded to the various critiques levied at them by announcing that they were going to be implementing "radical reform." I felt like a little kid. Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Fraser also shared his belief that he may have been blacklisted by the HFPA after the incident and that his career may have suffered as a result. Johansson's"Avengers" co-star Mark Ruffalo has also voiced criticism of the HFPA, claiming that "honestly, as a recent winner of a Golden Globe, I cannot feel proud or happy about being a recipient of this award," per the BBC. Forbes also mentions that with "anemic ratings and dwindling ad dollars," it's unclear if the Golden Globes is even worth the $60 million NBC pays to license the show. Absolutely. However, many are saying that these claimed reforms are a superficial band-aid and are nothing more than a few bullet points that vaguely gesture at reform. The actor said he refused to sign, because he "didn't get the joke." I became depressed. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," said Fraser. Frasers version is a total fabrication, he also said in a statement to GQ, acknowledging that he wrote a letter to Fraser about the alleged incident. Mr. Have I wanted to many, many times? Over the years we've continued a positive working relationship with Brendan, which includes announcing Golden Globe nominees, attending the ceremony and participating in press conferences. He believes it's partly why his career derailed, and said: "The phone does stop ringing in your career, and you start asking yourself why. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told GQ. And as soon as the HFPA had done the bare minimum, they were back in NBC's good graces. All rights reserved. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Ad Choices. Then he went home and told his wife. Terry Crews is suing the Hollywood agent he accused of groping him last year at an industry event. Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. Winners included Paul Lukas, Jennifer Jones, and the film "The Song of Bernadette." The incident took place at a luncheon hosted by the association, and Fraser alleges that when Berk reached out to shake his hand, the man instead grabbed Frasers butt. I felt like a little kid. Berk told GQ he was still an active voter with the HFPA and faced no disciplinary action. Biography [ edit] Soria was born in Argentina to Italian parents who left the country during World War II. For transparencys sake, along with Hoehne, the current HFPA board includes Gabriel Lerman, Sabrina Joshi, Yukiko Nakajima, Scott Orlin, Kirpi Uimonen, Henry Arnaud, Barbara de Oliveira Pinto, Barbara Gasser, Tina Johnk Christensen, Greet Ramaekers and Armando Gallo. "I felt ill. ", In an email to GQ, Berk denied these claims, reportedly writing, "Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication." Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced the re-election of Helen Hoehne to another term as president.According to the HFPA's press release, Hoehne won by "an overwhelming margin." Absolutely. I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say. In order to be considered, journalists are required to pay a $500 membership fee in addition to being based in Southern California while working for a foreign publication, publishing at least four articles a year. Although the judge ended up siding with HFPA in November 2020, the lawsuit brought to light a number of the organization's "ethical conflicts, with members accepting 'thousands of dollars in emoluments' from the very same studios, networks and celebrities they conferred trophies upon.". Check out 100 years of eye looks: 2023 Cond Nast. Fraser first revealed his #MeToo story in the February issue of GQ : In 2003, at a HFPA luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Fraser said Berk reached out to shake his hand but then proceeded to . ", "Am I still frightened? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! All rights reserved. [Work] withered on the vine for me. In addition to recognizing 2021's best in film and . In response, entertainers have also stated that they will "refrain from any HFPA sanctioned events." Madonna Is Pissed That People Focused on Her Face at the Grammys, "I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career. With some even speculating that the IRS has reason to investigate, it's not unlikely that HFPA members may have to do more than attend a few seminars on diversity and sexual harassment. Fraser didn't attend this year's Golden Globes, despite being nominated . Fraser debated going public with the story but ultimately decided to remain silent out of fear of public humiliation and damaging his career. Berk reached out to shake The Mummy actor's hand. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. ", The Shady Truth About The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Hollywood Foreign Press Association: A History. 7 Things to Know About This Abuse Tactic. June 7, 2018 / 2:27 PM Have I wanted to many, many times? I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative. In addition to a number of publicity firms, the American film production and distribution company Neon also joined the boycott. In February, Fraser told GQ that in 2003, as he was leaving a luncheon held by the HFPA at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Berk stopped him and shook his hand. On May 10, 2021, it seemed like the industry heads were taking note when NBC announced that they wouldn't be broadcasting the 2022 Golden Globe Awards. Absolutely. In 1943, actress Argentina Brunetti and her husband Miro Brunetti, a foreign correspondent, co-founded the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association, which was renamed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1954 (via Golden Globes). Fraser also surmised his career may have suffered . "I didn't want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative," he said. Fraser went home and told his then-wife, Afton Smith,what happened. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Absolutely. Phil Berk is no longer a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association," the HFPA board added in a statement released yesterday (April 20). Active members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association vote for the Golden Globe Awards, which means that "the Globes are overseen by an extremely small number of people," considering that in comparison, the Academy Awards are voted on by over 9,000 people. I think it was. I thought I was going to cry," he says. He questioned if the HFPA blacklisted him as a result, since he was rarely invited back to the Golden Globes, which the HFPA runs, after 2003. Former HFPA president Phillip Berk. But at the time, his reps did askthe HFPA for a written apology from Berk, and received one, though Berk says his apology admitted no wrongdoing. Deadline reports that in response to the cancellation, Cruise sent his three Golden Globe trophies back to the HFPA headquarters. HOLLYWOOD, CA Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which presents the Golden Globes each year, died at age 68 on Friday. We ask the experts. Brendan Fraser is the latest actor to come forward with his story of sexual assault in the wake of the #MeToo and Times Up movement. Fraser refused to sign off on the joint statement and maintained, "I don't get the joke.". However, the network added that "assuming the organization executes on its plan, we are hopeful we will be in a position to air the show in January 2023.". In addition to setting up a hotline to report violations, the HFPA planned to increase membership over the course of 18 months, in addition to "creating a list of [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] consultants.". As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In March 2021, the HFPA responded to the criticism by pledging to "increase membership to a minimum of 100 members this year, with a requirement that at least 13 percent of the membership be Black journalists," writes The Wrap. The 2003 Iraq War resulted in some 200,000 to 250,000 civilian deaths, including over 16,000 directly killed by the U.S. military, and left more than a million homeless.The United States has created 37 million refugees around the world. Brendan Fraser is sharing his own Me Too experience and says a 15-year-old assault may have contributed to the derailment of his career. "The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is thrilled to continue its relationship with CSUN, which now spans nearly two decades and has provided invaluable opportunities for deserving students to hone their craft," Soria said. Berkclaims he had written a letter to Fraser about the incident claiming that he had done no wrong. Withdraw consent by clicking on the link in any issue. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told GQ, adding that he felt overwhelmed with panic and fear. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock. However some, like Alexander Nevsky, joined because they were "just plain curious.". ", Andrea is an entertainment producer at CBSNews.com, First published on June 7, 2018 / 2:27 PM. It made me feel reclusive." Need a break from the news? 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. In a group email with HFPA members, Berk reportedly. Fraser said that the alleged assault left him feeling "ill," "like a little kid," and "like someone had thrown invisible paint on me." Lorenzo Soria (27 November 1951 - 7 August 2020) was an Argentine-Italian journalist and executive who served as the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for three terms. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. Fraser told GQ that he was overcome by panic and fear in the moment. I didn't want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative," he says now. On his way out, he met Berk, whose organization votes on the Golden Globes. In the 21st century, according to the Golden Globes, "HFPA members attend more than 300 interviews and countless movie and television screenings throughout each year." I was blaming myself and I was miserablebecause I was saying, This is nothing; this guy reached around and he copped a feel. That summer wore onand I cant remember what I went on to work on next.. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Leslie Grace Disagrees with Claim 'Batgirl' Was 'Unreleasable': There Was 'Potential for a Good Film' Jonathan Majors on Oscar Favorites, Bad Reviews, and the Road Trip That Made Him Realize He Was a Star, The Best Picture Race Got a Lot More Confusing This Week, Tom Cruise Made the Rounds This Week, but Other Oscar Nominees Got More Applause Than Top Gun: Maverick, How Michael B. Jordans Love of Anime Shaped Creed III Fight Scenes, Translating the Unconscious Into Images: The Cinematography of Bardo, Poker Face Takes Viewers on a Cross-Country Road Trip Without Leaving New York, The 50 Best Movies of 2022, According to 165 Critics from Around the World, All 81 Titles Unceremoniously Removed from HBO Max (So Far), 10 Shows Canceled but Not Forgotten in 2022. Fraser also shared that he wonders if the HFPA retaliated against him after the incident by depriving him of Golden Globes invitations or other professional opportunities. The wing was named for the HFPA international journalists based in Southern California who cover Hollywood and host the LOS ANGELES Brendan Fraser is joining the #MeToo movement, coming forward on Thursday with allegations of sexual assault by an ex-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Soon after NBC decided to cancel the 2022 broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards, actor Tom Cruise joined the boycott. Absolutely., Berk responded to Frasers story by telling GQ it is a total fabrication. He admitted to writing a letter to Fraser about the incident but said his apology admitted no wrongdoing..