The star of the "The Mummy" trilogy and "George of the Jungle" is speaking out again after he told GQ earlier this year that Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, groped him at a 2003 luncheon in Beverly Hills. 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! "His left-hand reaches around grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. According to The New York Times, as a tax-exempt non-profit, "payments to members for their work for the organization are legal as long as they are considered reasonable." 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 . CBS reports that in 2018, Fraser even asked to see the investigation's full report so he'd "know what I'm signing off on," but the HFPA has repeatedly refused to share its report. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock. 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. In 2003 he began researching the business case for climate action for the . Fraser said when the group approached him and asked him to sign off on the statement, "What I said to them was, 'Show me the investigator's report, and then I'll know what I'm signing off on.'" of self-dealing, ethical lapses. Compared to their previous plan, this timeline is significantly more specific, going through the steps that will be taken between May and August 2021. This is the shady truth about the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. Among those efforts, transparency seems to be the major buzzword for now, I hear. Absolutely.. But when they first organized, they still weren't taken too seriously, and mostly all they did was "meet at various members' homes to share information." 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. Do I feel like I need to say something? I felt like there was a ball in my throat. 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 . Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. The HFPA said that it is investigating further details surrounding the incident. 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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. or redistributed. "I felt ill. Fraser also wondered if the HFPA had blacklisted him. 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. Do I feel like I need to say something? Hoehne was one of the trio of HFPA leaders who took the stage at the less-than-stellar hybrid Globes on February 28 to address the growing discontent with a pledge of basically trust us. Which few did, to put it mildly. 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 . After the incident, Fraser's representatives asked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for a written apology, and although Berk acknowledges that one was written, he insisted that his "apology admitted no wrongdoing." Need a break from the news? I thought I was going to cry," he says. Absolutely. Brendan Fraser claims ex-Hollywood Foreign Press president groped him. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. 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. ", In an email to GQ, Berk denied these claims, reportedly writing, "Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication." I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Why do some of us start later than others? 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. 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 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. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. LOS ANGELES - The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the Golden Globes, is under fire after a former president of the organization sent an anti-Black Lives Matter email. The actor believes one of the reasons his career hit a standstill was because of an alleged incident with Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which hosts the Golden Globes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. 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." Is nose swelling like this normal? And he starts moving it around, Fraser claimed. And he starts moving it around. ", 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." According to the Los Angeles Times, NBC also dropped the Golden Globe Awards in 1968, after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found that the awards show "substantially misleads the public as to how the winners were chosen and the procedures followed in choosing them." I became depressed. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. Market data provided by Factset. (Berk denies that the HFPA retaliated against Fraser, telling GQ, His career declined through no fault of ours). 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. Magazines, Digital In the midst of a crowded room, Fraser says, Berk reached out to shake the actor'shand, but instead grabbed his butt. I think it was. 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. 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. "Do I feel like I need to say something? Absolutely," Fraser said in the interview. 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 felt like there was a ball in my throat. In the summer of 2003, then-president Philip Berk groped Brendan Fraser at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Fraser didn't attend this year's Golden Globes, despite being nominated . Brendan Fraser is speaking out for the first time about his experience with sexual harassment in Hollywood. 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. 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. Anne Thompson Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Berk has repeatedly claimed that all he did was jokingly pinch Fraser's butt. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The HFPA, meanwhile, declined to comment for GQ's story. 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. 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 broadcast. I felt ill. Brendan Fraser Says Lost Superman Role Would've Been 'Faustian Bargain' Anyway: 'I'm Not a One-Trick Pony' Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with In addition to a number of publicity firms, the American film production and distribution company Neon also joined the boycott. Absolutely. But now that PR firms and entertainers are also standing up and voicing their disapproval with the organization, the tide may be turning for the HFPA. Ad Choices. "I felt ill. Am I still frightened? I felt like a little kid. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint, Fraser said. Have I wanted to many, many times? Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. Then he went home and told his wife. 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 haven't spoken to them in years, but they're my friends. 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. The organization drew widespread criticism for this year's slate of . Oscars 2023: Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions 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. And he starts moving it around. In an interview with GQ, Brendan Fraser alleged that Philip Berk, former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), groped him. Absolutely.". Brendan Fraser says the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the Golden Globes, pressured him to downplay his allegation that its former president, Philip Berk, groped him in. "If I've done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended," he said in the statement. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Legal Statement. Since May, members have shown their commitment to creating a reimagined HFPA. 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. He also wrote about the incident in his memoir, according to People, but Berk said he pinched Fraser in jest.. 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. "I'm the only one who would know where I was touched on my body," he said to GQ. Have I stopped myself? 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. president criticizing Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors and likening BLM to a hate group . I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say. Berk recounted the incident in his memoir "With Signs and Wonders," but said he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke. Shonda Rhimes, producer of the show "Bridgerton," even noted that HFPA rejected their press conference until the show became a "surprise hit. President Lorenzo Soria, who oversaw the organization that puts on the annual Golden Globe Awards, has died. On his way out, he met Berk, whose organization votes on the Golden Globes. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. Berk, no longer president of the HFPA but still a member, told GQ Fraser'sversion of events "is a total fabrication.. The actor said that the incident made him reclusive and he retreated from public life. It made me feel reclusive." . Vote for your favorite beauty products now! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our According to Fraser, former HFPA President Phillip Berk assaulted him following a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "By the end of 2020, the association was collectively paying nearly $100,000 a month to members serving on more than a dozen different committees." Fraser described in aninterview with GQthe moment that "overcame him with panic and fear.". 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.. Through his reps, Fraser did request a written apology from the HFPA, and Berk told GQ that he did write Fraser a letter but never admitted any wrongdoing. There was also an incident in 1999, when HFPA members were gifted $400 Coach watches by USA Films. 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.. He claims in 2003, he was sexually assaulted by Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk. I Didn't Start Masturbating Until I Was 30. According to Fraser, though, it wasn't a joke, and he was overcome with fear and had to remove Berk's hand. Previously on the HFPAs Board of Directors from 2012-19, frequent German TV contributor Hoehne is one of the current board members. All rights reserved, UN Report: How Florida is Fueling Haiti's Arms Trafficking Crisis, Philippine Provincial Governor Shot Dead by Gunmen While Meeting Villagers, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. 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. 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. Absolutely. I thought I was going to cry., After immediately leaving the luncheon, Fraser told his wife of the interaction but otherwise remained silent for fear of embarrassment and career damage. Have I wanted to many, many times? Fraser debated going public with the story but ultimately decided to remain silent out of fear of public humiliation and damaging his career. I felt like a little kid. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage). Held in 1944, the first Golden Globes Awards were, according to Vox, an "informal luncheon" at the Beverly Hills Hotel. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," Fraser told GQ. 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. 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. HFPA also maintained that Berk, a 41-year member of HFPA and eight-term former president, faced no disciplinary action and was going to remain an active member of the HFPA. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. Varietyadds that there's infighting among active HFPA members in terms of "how to reform and how to respond to its critics. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! We want to hear from you! Related