His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. Fraser told GQ that Berk groped him at a luncheon in 2003. Berk reached out to shake The Mummy actor's hand. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association responded in a statement that reads: "The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article. In. 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. Berk recounted the incident in his memoir "With Signs and Wonders," but said he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke. The Hollywood Foreign Press Commits to Reform: Will It Be Enough? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Eventually, he wasable to remove Berk's hand. 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. Helen Hoehne Re-Elected President of HFPA - Variety Berk says he just "pinched" the actor. Hollywood Foreign Press Association Wing Dedicated With Stories of An email sent Sunday by a former Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. 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." The actor, 49, who can be seen next month in FX's Getty family drama Trust,says the experience messed with his sense of who I was and what I was doing. Work, he says, withered on the vine for me. Why didn't Fraser go public? 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. 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. Fraser revealed the alleged abuse in 2018,. Soon after NBC decided to cancel the 2022 broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards, actor Tom Cruise joined the boycott. We ask the experts. It's unclear whether or not any other stars will follow suit and physically return their own Golden Globes. 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. 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. 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 ill. I thought I was going to cry, he says. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Am I still frightened? I dont know if this curried disfavor with the group, with the HFPA. 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." Golden Globes crisis deepens as former president expelled and advisers I felt ill, he said, recalling his emotions after he removed Berks hand. 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. The HFPA, meanwhile, declined to comment for GQ's story. Golden Globes organisers expel ex-president over Black Lives Matter Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy. Oscars 2023: Best Makeup and Hairstyling Predictions 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. . Lorenzo Soria has been re-elected president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the 2016-2017 year. There was also an incident in 1999, when HFPA members were gifted $400 Coach watches by USA Films. US Hegemony and Its Perils - : 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. Helen Hoehne will be the next President of the HFPA, it was revealed today. Fraser previously accused former HFPA President Philip Berk of sexually harassing him at a luncheon in Beverly Hills in 2003, which Berk denies. In addition to a number of publicity firms, the American film production and distribution company Neon also joined the boycott. Need a break from the news? Have I wanted to many, many times? Hollywood Foreign Press Association | New York Post In response, entertainers have also stated that they will "refrain from any HFPA sanctioned events." 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. Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. There's many reasons, but was this one of them? 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. 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. I felt like a little kid. 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. "Do I feel like I need to say something? He also wrote about the incident in his memoir, according to People, but Berk said he pinched Fraser in jest.. Absolutely. ", Fraser recalled that when he left the room, he saw a police officer but could not bring himself to report what happened. According to Deadline, in 2013, the HFPA settled a suit with its former publicist Michael Russell. Have I stopped myself? Berk was the president of theHollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards. April 19, 2021 3:30 PM PT. 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." And he starts moving it around," the actor said. Hollywood Foreign Press Association - AP NEWS Related Biography [ edit] Soria was born in Argentina to Italian parents who left the country during World War II. Scott. Fraser said the moment still haunts him, especially, for instance, when he sees Berk on the television during the Golden Globes. / CBS News. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. I thought I was going to cry. Member Judy Soloman claims that this is "because nobody applied," but this is a lie, according to The Wrap, which alleges that a Black journalist's application was rejected in 2013. Absolutely. I call them friends in my mind. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. In an interview with GQ published Thursday, Fraser said that he was groped in 2003 by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization. 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. Brendan Fraser Says He Was Sexually Assaulted, Derailing - Celebrity 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. Despite his inappropriate behavior, Philip Berk stayed on as a part of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press . 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. Members ended up returning the watches in response to the criticism regarding the gifts, while USA Films claimed that "the studio got the watches for free and didn't realize how expensive they were.". Brendan Fraser Alleges Former HFPA President Sexually - Allure 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. Berkclaims he had written a letter to Fraser about the incident claiming that he had done no wrong. Have I stopped myself? Brendan Fraser promotes 'Trust' after alleging misconduct I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Brendan Fraser refuses to attend the 2023 Golden Globes I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Berk has continued to work with the HFPA, which the organization said was a "positive working relationship." I didn't want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative," he says now. In the midst of a crowded room, Fraser says, Berk reached out to shake the actor'shand, but instead grabbed his butt. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. What is HFPA? 2021 Golden Globes group has no Black members - Los Absolutely. Meher Tatna is president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which created the Golden Globe Awards in 1944. . History and future met for a close-up on Sept. 15 in the newly dedicated Hollywood Foreign Press Association wing of California State University, Northridge's Manzanita Hall. 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. I felt ill. Leslie Grace Disagrees with Claim 'Batgirl' Was 'Unreleasable': There Was 'Potential for a Good Film' Absolutely. However some, like Alexander Nevsky, joined because they were "just plain curious.". IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. According to Fraser, though, it wasn't a joke, and he was overcome with fear and had to remove Berk's hand. 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. I just know what my truth is.". The actor said he told his then-wife, Afton Smith, about the incident, but did not speak publicly about it until this week. HOLLYWOOD, CA Lorenzo Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which presents the Golden Globes each year, died at age 68 on Friday. Absolutely," he said. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. It will be his second straight year as head of the organization. While there may seem like an over-saturation of award shows in 2021, at the time, they wouldn't have had any other awards shows to compete with, other than the Academy Awards and a few critics groups. He claims in 2003, he was sexually assaulted by Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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 . The wing was named for the HFPA international journalists based in Southern California who cover Hollywood and host the He told GQ that he removed Berk's hand. Have I wanted to many, many times? In response to the cancellation, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association released a new and improved timeline of the "transformational changes" they plan to implement, noting that they will happen "regardless of the next air date of the Golden Globes.". 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. The actor said he refused to sign, because he "didn't get the joke." 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.". I became depressed. With a group of 21 other journalists, their hope was to pool their knowledge and "formalize their relationship with the studios" in the hopes of making it easier to work on film journalism. 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. But Fraser said the HFPA refused to share the report. Former HFPA president blasted over Black Lives Matter email - Los 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. I felt like a little kid. 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 told GQ that he was overcome by panic and fear in the moment. Phil Berk is no longer a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association," the HFPA board added in a statement released yesterday (April 20). Write to Abigail Abrams at abigail.abrams@time.com. Absolutely. Absolutely, he says. 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. 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. 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.". 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. the first of which spanned from 2003 . 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." According to The Guardian, Cruise isn't the only entertainer speaking out. . I felt like there was a ball in my throat. The former "Mummy" star said that he panicked. I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say. Between 2002 and 2018, only five Golden Globe Awards had at least one BIPOC acting winner. 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. Golden Globes voters in tumult: Members accuse Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. He rushed home and told his wife about the encounter, but was afraid to go public with the incident. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. 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 . 344 Hollywood Foreign Press Associations Cecil B Demille Award Golden Globes Your California Privacy Rights. "And he starts moving it around." In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.. head of Hollywood Foreign Press . Brendan Fraser's #MeToo Story Against the Hollywood Foreign Press Fraser said that the alleged assault left him feeling "ill," "like a little kid," and "like someone had thrown invisible paint on me." He previously. Varietyadds that there's infighting among active HFPA members in terms of "how to reform and how to respond to its critics. ADVERTISEMENT Amid outcry, NBC says it will not air Golden Globes in 2022 By JAKE COYLE May 10, 2021 All rights reserved. Lorenzo Soria, Hollywood Foreign Press Association President, Dies at 68 What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser? | GQ That's when they came up with the idea for the Golden Globe Awards. The group even adopted the motto, "Unity without discrimination of religion or race," according to Hollywood Foreign Press Association: A History. 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.". 7 Things to Know About This Abuse Tactic. "It made me feel reclusive," the . Fraser can be seen asJames Fletcher Chace in Danny Boyles FX series Trust, which debuts March 25. Held in 1944, the first Golden Globes Awards were, according to Vox, an "informal luncheon" at the Beverly Hills Hotel. On his way out, he met Berk, whose organization votes on the Golden Globes. In a new GQ profile titled What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser?,the actor remembers being groped byPhilip Berk in the summer of 2003. Brendan Fraser: Golden Globes Org Called My Sexual Assault - HuffPost In 2003 he began researching the business case for climate action for the . "I'm humbled to be elected by my peers and colleagues here at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and. Have I wanted to many, many times? The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. 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." The HFPA said that it is investigating further details surrounding the incident. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told the magazine, recalling becomingovercome with panic and fear. 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. Now the new president is hoping for a clean slate. Berk tells the magazine the HFPA never retaliated against Fraser: His career declined through no fault of ours., Am I still frightened? June 7, 2018 / 2:27 PM As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. The organization drew widespread criticism for this year's slate of . In a recent statement with GQ, Berk called Fraser's story "a total fabrication." I Didn't Start Masturbating Until I Was 30. 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. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. In a new interview with GQ, The Mummy starreveals he was groped in 2003byPhilip Berk,a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 14: Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on December 14, 2016 in New York City. I felt like a little kid. The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Peter Jackson seems to confirm Weinstein blacklisted Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd. Shonda Rhimes, producer of the show "Bridgerton," even noted that HFPA rejected their press conference until the show became a "surprise hit. Since May, members have shown their commitment to creating a reimagined HFPA. . Anne Thompson During a recent appearance on Howard Stern's SiriusXM talk show, Brendan Fraser continued to diss the Golden Globes. Fraser said that at the time, he panicked: "I felt ill. Actual trophies wouldn't be given until the third annual Golden Globe Awards. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! 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." Send us a tip using our annonymous form. Brendan Fraser claims ex-Hollywood Foreign Press president groped him. 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 not be better days. Lorenzo Soria, president of Hollywood Foreign Press Association, dead at 68 Brendan Fraser alleges ex-Golden Globes president assaulted him - USA TODAY I felt like a little kid. Absolutely. This is the shady truth about the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Fraser refused to sign off on the joint statement and maintained, "I don't get the joke.". Absolutely," Fraser said in the interview. He also said he did not care why Berk touched him. 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. Is nose swelling like this normal? I thought I was going to cry.. Absolutely, he tells GQ. Philip Berk Expelled from HFPA - The Hollywood Reporter Fraser, who came forward in February to accuse Berk of sexual misconduct, talked to GQ magazine about his sexual harassment claim with the HFPA. Brendan Fraser: HFPA Dismissed Grope By Philip Berk As "A - Deadline 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. Market data provided by Factset. Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. President Lorenzo Soria dies 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.". I felt like there was a ball in my throat. The alleged incident left Fraser overcome with panic and fear. I felt like a little kid. Brendan Fraser, who stars in "The Whale," claims former HFPA President Philip Berk sexually assaulted him in 2003. "), Letter aside, Fraser said, the experience "made me retreat. Related Signup for Breaking News Alerts & Newsletters. Withdraw consent by clicking on the link in any issue. '", Berk, who took a six-month leave of absence from the HFPA in April 2014 following backlash from his memoir but is still a member, denied the claim in an e-mail to GQ, saying: "Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication.". 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. 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.. Fraser also wondered if the HFPA had blacklisted him. 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.