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. 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. 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., Fraser says the experience made me retreat. "), Letter aside, Fraser said, the experience "made me retreat. And as soon as the HFPA had done the bare minimum, they were back in NBC's good graces. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told the magazine, recalling becomingovercome with panic and fear. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage). "If I've done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended," he said in the statement. "I'm humbled to be elected by my peers and colleagues here at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and. 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. Then he went home and told his wife. Legal Statement. Its investigation concluded that "the evidence supports that it was intended to be taken as a joke" and suggested issuing a joint statement with Fraser. I thought I was going to cry," he says. In the midst of a crowded room, Fraser says, Berk reached out to shake the actor'shand, but instead grabbed his butt. An email sent Sunday by a former Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. Golden Globes voters in tumult: Members accuse Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. Actor Brendan Fraser has accused a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the group that presents the annual Golden Globe Awards, of groping him at an event in 2003. Absolutely. Former HFPA president Phillip Berk. The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. Berk is still a member of the HFPA. 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. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint, Fraser said. Am I still frightened? 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. 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 (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. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. 7 Things to Know About This Abuse Tactic. Have I wanted to many, many times? "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," Fraser told GQ. Here is how Fraser describes the incident, which occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel during an HFPA luncheon, to GQ: His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. Shonda Rhimes, producer of the show "Bridgerton," even noted that HFPA rejected their press conference until the show became a "surprise hit. The actor said he refused to sign, because he "didn't get the joke." 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. Terry Crews is suing the Hollywood agent he accused of groping him last year at an industry event. (Reuters) Brendan Fraser claims he was groped in 2003 by Philip Berk, then. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. 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. Scott. Do I feel like I need to say something? In a new GQ profile titled What Ever Happened To Brendan Fraser?,the actor remembers being groped byPhilip Berk in the summer of 2003. Fraser is not the only male star taking action over assault claims. I felt ill, he said, recalling his emotions after he removed Berks hand. 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. 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.". I felt ill. Do I feel like I need to say something? 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. And he starts moving it around. Fraser then said he removed Berks hand and immediately left the event. Have I stopped myself? . All rights reserved. The actor said he told his then-wife, Afton Smith, about the incident, but did not speak publicly about it until this week. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass 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. 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. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. Absolutely, he said. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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." 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.". The HFPA investigated the accusation, but Fraser said the organization declined to share the full results of their investigation with him. Am I still frightened? 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. . You have reached your limit of 4 free articles. We've shared the results of that investigation with Mr. Fraser, and again apologized, but also conveyed our need to abide by the investigation's finding that the exchange was not an intended sexual advance. And he starts moving it around. The HFPA said that it is investigating further details surrounding the incident. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Related Brendan Fraser Says Lost Superman Role Would've Been 'Faustian Bargain' Anyway: 'I'm Not a One-Trick Pony' 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, I watched this wonderful movement, these people with the courage to say what I didn't have the courage to say. And he starts moving it around," the actor said. A cause of. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. These publicity firms had actually threatened to advise their clients to boycott the Golden Globes earlier in March if the HFPA didn't reform, following the Los Angeles Times investigation. Withdraw consent by clicking on the link in any issue. Eventually, he wasable to remove Berk's hand. 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 that hosts the Golden Globes. 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." 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. of self-dealing, ethical lapses. 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. 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 . "I felt ill. the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press . 344 Hollywood Foreign Press Associations Cecil B Demille Award Announcement Premium High Res Photos Browse 344 hollywood foreign press associations cecil b demille award announcement stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. That board 12 active (internal) members and three TBA non-members (outside) directly picked the new president to take over for Ali Sar. However some, like Alexander Nevsky, joined because they were "just plain curious.". Fraser's account is disconcertingly reminiscent of reports from women in Hollywood who have spoken out about experiencing professional retaliation after being harassed or assaulted. Absolutely," Fraser said in the interview. 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. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Have I wanted to many, many times? Berk has continued to work with the HFPA, which the organization said was a "positive working relationship." 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. Compared to their previous plan, this timeline is significantly more specific, going through the steps that will be taken between May and August 2021. 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. We ask the experts. 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.". The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Have I stopped myself? In addition to a number of publicity firms, the American film production and distribution company Neon also joined the boycott. Berk wrote in his memoir that he did so in jest, but Fraser remembers the incident much differently. Actual trophies wouldn't be given until the third annual Golden Globe Awards. I felt like a little kid. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Absolutely, he tells GQ. In a new interview with GQ, The Mummy star reveals he was. 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. Berk was the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards. Olivia Newton-John's daughter Chloe reveals 'promise' she made to mother before her death, Emma Stones 'And' co-star Willem Dafoe had her slap him 20 times to get scene right, Prince Harry's 'attacks' on 'villain' Camilla led to Frogmore Cottage eviction: expert, Film industry reacts to death of 'Saving Private Ryan' star Tom Sizemore: 'You're a legend', Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves take bumpy second flight after 'CHAOS' on Lufthansa plane: 'Wish me luck'. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. As a member of the HFPA since 1989, he previously served as president in 2003-05. 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. I didnt want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative. Historically, the HFPA has sought to maintain its reserved and exclusive appearance. However, he said the note did not admit anything. 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.". Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. ", "Am I still frightened? And he starts moving it around, Fraser claimed. The alleged incident left Fraser overcome with panic and fear. / CBS News. It made me feel reclusive. His career seemed on hold. 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 became depressed. sexually assaulted him in 2003. . In a new interview with GQ published on Thursday, the Mummy star, 49, claims that former Hollywood Foreign Press Association (the non-profit organization that votes for the Golden Globe awards) president Philip Berk sexually assaulted him in the summer of 2003, while at a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel an alleged incident Berk disputes. I felt like a little kid. Fraser described in aninterview with GQthe moment that "overcame him with panic and fear.". Absolutely. I dont know if this curried disfavor with the group, with the HFPA. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.. (Reps for Fraser and the HFPA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment). Fraser previously accused former HFPA President Philip Berk of sexually harassing him at a luncheon in Beverly Hills in 2003, which Berk denies. All Rights Reserved. In a new interview with GQ, The Mummy starreveals he was groped in 2003byPhilip Berk,a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. "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. After Fraser spoke publicly about the incident in 2018, HFPA conducted an investigation into the incident. 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. Fraser told GQ that he was overcome by panic and fear in the moment. "I felt like a little kid. 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. Fraser can be seen asJames Fletcher Chace in Danny Boyles FX series Trust, which debuts March 25. The incident happened in public at a summer luncheon held by the HFPA (which hosts the Golden Globes annually). This also isn't the first time that NBC has declined to broadcast the Golden Globes. Fraser said the moment still haunts him, especially, for instance, when he sees Berk on the television during the Golden Globes. 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.". Peter Jackson seems to confirm Weinstein blacklisted Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd. Have I stopped myself? Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. 2023 IndieWire Media, LLC. Then, Fraser said, Berk groped him. Berk recounted the incident in his memoir "With Signs and Wonders," but said he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke. 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. I dont know if this curried disfavor with the group, with the HFPA. 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 . 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. I thought I was going to cry. For many journalists, the HFPA has always had a "terrible reputation," and the news that it's a self-involved clique wasn't too surprising. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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. 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. ", It also doesn't help that HFPA member Margaret Gardiner "confused Daniel Kaluuya for another Black actor, Leslie Odom Jr., just minutes after Kaluuya's Oscar win.". 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.. ", 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." 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. After the 2003 luncheon, Frasers representatives asked the HFPA for an apology, and Berk confirmed to GQ that he did write one. Write to Abigail Abrams at abigail.abrams@time.com. 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. (This letter was referred to in a 2005 New York Times story that read in part, "Mr. Berk wrote a letter of apology to the actor Brendan Fraser for having grabbed the actor's buttocks during a ceremony to announce a charitable contribution, though Mr. Berk said in an interview that he did no such thing and wrote the letter only to mollify the actor. Fraser, who came forward in February to accuse Berk of sexual misconduct, talked to GQ magazine about his sexual harassment claim with the HFPA. He said he asked for a written apology and that the HFPA set an agreement to never allow Fraser or Berk to be together in the same room again. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. [Work] withered on the vine for me. 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 . According to The Guardian, Cruise isn't the only entertainer speaking out. 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. And in 2019, HFPA members were flown to the set of "Emily in Paris," which later received two nominations. Throughout its history, the HFPA membership has never gone over 100, and as of May 2021 there are 86 members. 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. 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 2020, Norwegian entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association after she was denied membership into the group. 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. It made me feel reclusive." 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. 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. 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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. Have I wanted to many, many times? After the GQ story was published, the HFPA responded saying that it was investigating the incident. 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. 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In the summer of 2003, then-president Philip Berk groped Brendan Fraser at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Absolutely., In the article, Berk says he wrote a letter to Fraser about the incident but admitted no wrongdoing.. "I felt ill," Fraser said. 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. On his way out, he met Berk, whose organization votes on the Golden Globes. In 2003 he began researching the business case for climate action for the . In May 2021, NBC announced that it wouldn't be broadcasting the following year's Golden Globe Awards (via USA Today). 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. 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. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," said Fraser. Among those efforts, transparency seems to be the major buzzword for now, I hear. 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.