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In his suit, Russell alleged that the HFPA "abuse their positions and engage in unethical and potentially unlawful deals and arrangements which amount to a payola scheme" and claimed that he was fired after he brought these issues up with then-president Phillip Berk. Do I feel like I need to say something? (Reuters) Brendan Fraser claims he was groped in 2003 by Philip Berk, then. Legal Statement. In a group email with HFPA members, Berk reportedly. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. In a new interview with GQ, "The Mummy" star alleges that the HFPA's Philip Berk assaulted him at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the summer of 2003. After the GQ story was published, the HFPA responded saying that it was investigating the incident. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our I felt like there was a ball in my throat. I felt ill. I felt like someone had thrown invisible paint on me., Though he told his wife, Afton, about what had happened at the time, Fraser told GQs Zach Baron that he didnt have the courage to speak up earlier, for risk of humiliation, or damage to my career.. Lorenzo Soria has been re-elected president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the 2016-2017 year. In the summer of 2003, then-president Philip Berk groped Brendan Fraser at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article, the associated said in an official statement. That last bit is, of course, the trial balloon in what the HFPA hopes will be clearer skies now that it has passed a series of bylaws and other much-needed reforms. Fraser previously accused former HFPA President Philip Berk of sexually harassing him at a luncheon in Beverly Hills in 2003, which Berk denies. In February 2021, the Los Angeles Times revealed that among the almost 90 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, there are no Black members, despite the group's own motto being "Unity without discrimination of religion or race." For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative. Since 2012, the number of Syrian refugees alone has increased tenfold. HOLLYWOOD, CA Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which presents the Golden Globes each year, died at age 68 on Friday. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Absolutely. Fraser said that at the time, he panicked: "I felt ill. . Brendan Fraser claims ex-Hollywood Foreign Press president groped him. 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. Do I feel like I need to say something? This report includes alleged information that the HFPA was previously unaware of and at this time we are investigating further details surrounding the incident.. A new profile of Fraser by GQ asks the same question, and adds more context to the answer: In an interview with the magazine, Fraser spoke publicly for the first time about his experience of sexual assault, alleging that he was groped by former Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) president Philip Berk in the summer of 2003. There have also been numerous claims that voters are easily swayed. But the silence was deafening. Fraser tells GQ he was rarely invited back to the Globes after 2003. 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. Vote for your favorite beauty products now! The HFPA said that it is investigating further details surrounding the incident. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. I just know what my truth is.". All Rights Reserved. And despite having several former and active members who are people of color, according to Variety, the organization hasn't had a Black member since 2002. The elevation of the groups VP to the top job of the 80-member-plus organization comes just under two weeks after the HFPA expanded its Board of Directors to 15 in the latest of a series of reform endeavors by the much-scorned group. The HFPA's board members are also paid, making "between $63,433 and $135,957 in the tax year ending June 30, 2019. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock. My apology admitted no wrongdoing, the usual If Ive done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended and I apologize, he told the magazine. Fraser is not the only male star taking action over assault claims. 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. 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. Fraser, for his part, told the magazine he decided not to go public with his story because he was afraid of "it becoming part of my narrative." This announcement came at the heels of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's (HFPA) inability to come up with adequate reforms to address the various criticisms levied at the organization. This also isn't the first time that NBC has declined to broadcast the Golden Globes. And he starts moving it around. "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. Brendan Fraser is the latest actor to come forward with his story of sexual assault in the wake of the #MeToo and Times Up movements. I felt like a little kid. 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. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! I felt ill, he said, recalling his emotions after he removed Berks hand. Berk, who is still a member of the HFPA, also did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment but has denied the assault ever happened to The New York Times. 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.. I felt like a little kid. 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. In the interview, Fraser said that at an HFPA luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Berk reached out his hand to shake Fraser's, then went much further. . I felt ill. Now the new president is hoping for a clean slate. Absolutely," he said. 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. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. People reports in his 2014memoirWith Signs and Wonders: My Journey from Darkest Africa to the Bright Lights of Hollywood,Berk recalled pinching Fraser's buttin jest.. ", Fraser recalled that when he left the room, he saw a police officer but could not bring himself to report what happened. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital In the midst of a crowded room, Fraser says, Berk reached out to shake the actor'shand, but instead grabbed his butt. This report includes alleged information that the HFPA was previously unaware of and at this time we are investigating further details surrounding the incident.. He previously. Fraser described in aninterview with GQthe moment that "overcame him with panic and fear.". The wing was named for the HFPA international journalists based in Southern California who cover Hollywood and host the Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. This also wasn't the first lawsuit alleging such behavior. Related 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. He was a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association since 1989 and served in the administration for 25 years he formerly held the position of president from 2003-2005 and 2015-2017. Previously on the HFPAs Board of Directors from 2012-19, frequent German TV contributor Hoehne is one of the current board members. Actor Brendan Fraser accused the former president of theHollywood Foreign Press Association of sexually assaulting him in 2003, the latest in a string of people to speak out in the #MeToo and Times Up movements. The New York Times notes that the HFPA's history of insensitive behavior coupled with their seemingly shady financial dealings may make it difficult for the Golden Globes to make a comeback, especially if another awards show takes their place. Throughout its history, the HFPA membership has never gone over 100, and as of May 2021 there are 86 members. 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. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with I think it was. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! HFPA/GG will store your name and email address and use them to send the Weekly Globe newsletter. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. And in 2019, HFPA members were flown to the set of "Emily in Paris," which later received two nominations. All Rights Reserved. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Biography [ edit] Soria was born in Argentina to Italian parents who left the country during World War II. retailers. Between 2002 and 2018, only five Golden Globe Awards had at least one BIPOC acting winner. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. 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.. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. Magazines, Digital All rights reserved. In a new GQ profile titled What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser?,the actor remembers being groped byPhilip Berk in the summer of 2003. What to Know About Michelle Wolf the 2018 WHCA Dinner Host, Underwater Noise Pollution Is Disrupting Ocean LifeBut We Can Fix It. IE 11 is not supported. Fraser said that the alleged assault left him feeling "ill," "like a little kid," and "like someone had thrown invisible paint on me." 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. The incident happened in public at a summer luncheon held by the HFPA (which hosts the Golden Globes annually). I thought I was going to cry," he says. Among those efforts, transparency seems to be the major buzzword for now, I hear. According to Deadline, in 2013, the HFPA settled a suit with its former publicist Michael Russell. My apology admitted no wrongdoing, the usual If Ive done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended and I apologize., In his 2014 memoir With Signs and Wonders: My Journey from Darkest Africa to the Bright Lights of Hollywood, Berk recounted the incident too saying he pinched Frasiers ass in jest., RELATED VIDEO: Women of Hollywood Attend Golden Globes Together in Support of the Times Up Movement, While other factors contributed to the downward momentum of his career, Fraser tells GQ that his alleged experience with Berk made [him] retreat and feel reclusive., [I] became depressed, he said, recounting how he told himself he deserved what happened to him. Fraser refused to sign off on the joint statement and maintained, "I don't get the joke.". 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. According to. ", In response to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's inability to come up with effective reforms, both Netflix and Amazon stated that they would be boycotting the 2022 Golden Globe Awards. However, he said the note did not admit anything. Brendan Fraser claims he was groped in 2003 by Philip Berk, then president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, an experience Fraser says left him depressed and miserable. Mr. Up to 100 PR firms also indicated that they were disappointed with the HFPA's lack of commitment to "transformational change. During a recent appearance on Howard Stern's SiriusXM talk show, Brendan Fraser continued to diss the Golden Globes. This is the shady truth about the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. As the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network points out, men who have survived harassment or abuse may experience intense shame that they were not "strong enough" to fight off an attack; their sexuality may also be questioned, leading many men to stay silent. According to Fraser, Berk placed his hand on his butt when they hugged at an HFPA luncheon. Winners included Paul Lukas, Jennifer Jones, and the film "The Song of Bernadette." Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. Berk tells the magazine that Frasers version is total fabrication. In Berks memoir, he recounts the incident, in which he placed his hand on Frasers butt during a hug, as a jest. 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. Have I stopped myself? We want to reiterate that the HFPA understands todayas it did 15 years agothat what Mr. Fraser experienced was inappropriate. Have I wanted to many, many times? 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. "Am I still frightened? Have I wanted to many, many times? Berk is still a member of the HFPA. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," Fraser told GQ. However, the first awards show wasn't the glitz and glamor that it would become. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Brendan Fraser, who stars in "The Whale," claims former HFPA President Philip Berk sexually assaulted him in 2003. The HFPA investigated the accusation, but Fraser said the organization declined to share the full results of their investigation with him. He says it took courage to talk about the incident and that he's hopeful that change will come from all those coming forward to discuss sexual misconduct. Absolutely. Absolutely. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. hollywood foreign press association Brendan Fraser nabs Golden Globe nomination despite vowing not to attend December 12, 2022 | 11:14am The 53-year-old has vowed to boycott the ceremony. I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say. "Do I feel like I need to say something? or redistributed. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The HFPA, meanwhile, declined to comment for GQ's story. (Reuters). "), Letter aside, Fraser said, the experience "made me retreat. Members receive payments for writing for HFPA's website and for working at the annual grants dinner in addition to the payments they receive for serving on the committees. These steps involve hiring a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant, mandatory member training for both sexual harassment and DEI, and the creation of new bylaws and membership/reaccreditation process. The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Fraser also wondered if the HFPA had blacklisted him. 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. said recently that after being sexually harassed, Meet the Sexual Assault Survivors Attending Trump's State of the Union, Terry Crews Reveals He Was Sexually Assaulted by a "High-Level" Hollywood Executive, What Is Sexual Grooming? I thought I was going to cry, he told the magazine. Fraser's story is a reminder that while sexual misconduct is disproportionately experienced by women, it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender or sexuality. The story he wants to relay took place, he says, in the summer of 2003, in the Beverly Hills Hotel, at a luncheon held by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that hosts the . All Rights Reserved. Berk has continued to work with the HFPA, which the organization said was a "positive working relationship." Fraser, through his representatives, asked the HFPA for an apology, which Berk says he wrote, but added: "My apology admitted no wrongdoing, the usual 'If I've done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended and I apologize. ", "Am I still frightened? Despite his inappropriate behavior, Philip Berk stayed on as a part of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Historically, the HFPA has sought to maintain its reserved and exclusive appearance. But his career has noticeably waned over the past decade, leading journalists and commenters to ask multiple variations of the same question: What happened to Brendan Fraser? Berk has repeatedly claimed that all he did was jokingly pinch Fraser's butt. 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." UPDATED with HFPA statement, 1, 52 PM: The Hollywood Foreign Press Associated has issued an official statement about to today's GQ story in which Brendan Fraser said the group considered his. Send us a tip using our annonymous form. The email itself was an article from conservative commentator David Horowitz's Freedom Center website, FrontPage Mag, although it didn't include a link or a citation and was simply copy-pasted into the body of the email. In comparison, members of the film and television academies don't get paid to serve on committees, writes CNET. In 2020, Norwegian entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association after she was denied membership into the group. I thought I was going to cry. 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.". 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.". Actress Mira Sorvino, for instance, said recently that after being sexually harassed by disgraced former studio head Harvey Weinstein, she was relegated to "the fringes of the Miramax family"; director Peter Jackson even admitted that he blacklisted both Sorvino and actress Ashley Judd, who also has spoken out about being harassed by Weinstein, after Weinstein gave Jackson "false information" about the two actresses. 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. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. 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. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told GQ, adding that he felt overwhelmed with panic and fear. In addition to a number of publicity firms, the American film production and distribution company Neon also joined the boycott. 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. 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 . ", Andrea is an entertainment producer at CBSNews.com, First published on June 7, 2018 / 2:27 PM. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Absolutely. Berk, who is still a member of the HFPA, told the magazine that Frasers version of events is a total fabrication and has previously denied grabbing the actor to the New York Times. Brendan Fraser is speaking out for the first time about his experience with sexual harassment in Hollywood. Do I feel like I need to say something? The alleged incident left Fraser overcome with panic and fear. 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. Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. Flaa's lawsuit alleged that the HFPA operated like a cartel and instituted a "culture of corruption," writes the Los Angeles Times, and actively barred qualified candidates such as herself. Fraser also surmised his career may have suffered . The Time's Up organization, as well as numerous entertainers and PR firms, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed reforms, stating that "the HFPA's list of recommendations largely contains no specifics [and] no commitments to real accountability or change,"writes The Hollywood Reporter. 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. I thought I was going to cry," Fraser said. I felt ill. I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative, he told GQ. At least 10 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, How a Minnesota hockey league helped a Ukrainian refugee feel at home, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Trump met with early primary state GOP leaders, London police apologize as officer admits to dozens of rapes, Kevin Spacey pleads not guilty to 7 sexual assault charges in London, Writer files upgraded lawsuit alleging Trump "forcibly raped" her. I thought I was going to cry. I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative, he added. (Berk denies that the HFPA retaliated against Fraser, telling GQ, His career declined through no fault of ours). And HFPA has stated that their payments are "vetted by a professional nonprofit compensation consultant and outside counsel, where appropriate. the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press . According to the BBC, Berk "forwarded it as a point of information," though after seeing the consequences of his actions Berk later said that he "regretted sending the email.". ", The Shady Truth About The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Hollywood Foreign Press Association: A History. 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. "Maybe I am over-reacting in terms of what the instance was. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. Actor Brendan Fraser accused the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association of sexually assaulting him in 2003, the latest in a string of people to speak out in the #MeToo. Brendan Fraser is sharing his own Me Too experienceand says a 15-year-oldassault may have contributed to the derailment of his career. An investigation by the Los Angeles Times in February 2021 revealed that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association pays out almost $2 million to its members annually. 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. Berk recounted the incident in his memoir "With Signs and Wonders," but said he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke. Get the latest hollywood foreign press association news, articles, videos and photos on the New York Post. What is unusual is a man publicly opening up about experiencing sexual harassment, which is one of the reasons Fraser's account is garnering so much attention. Fraser didn't attend this year's Golden Globes, despite being nominated . We ask the experts. 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." Soon after NBC decided to cancel the 2022 broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards, actor Tom Cruise joined the boycott. Fraser went home and told his then-wife, Afton Smith,what happened. "I'm the only one who would know where I was touched on my body," he said to GQ. The 88-year-old Berk, who served eight terms as HFPA president and was a member of the association for 44 years, sent an email sharing the post with the association's members, staff, general .
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