", Fraser recalled that when he left the room, he saw a police officer but could not bring himself to report what happened. Have I wanted to many, many times? According to Deadline, in 2013, the HFPA settled a suit with its former publicist Michael Russell. The HFPA, meanwhile, declined to comment for GQ's story. And after being broadcast on the radio for 14 years, on February 26, 1958, the Golden Globe Awards were televised for the first time. Have I stopped myself? "), Letter aside, Fraser said, the experience "made me retreat. Have I stopped myself? 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 1943, actress Argentina Brunetti and her husband Miro Brunetti, a foreign correspondent, co-founded the Hollywood Foreign Correspondents Association, which was renamed the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1954 (via Golden Globes). Berk has continued to work with the HFPA, which the organization said was a "positive working relationship." In a recent statement with GQ, Berk called Fraser's story "a total fabrication." 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 thought I was going to cry," he says. Berk says he just "pinched" the actor. 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. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. Brendan Fraser attends AOL Build to discuss his role in 'The Affair' at AOL HQ on Dec. 14, 2016 in New York City. Fraser told GQ that Berk groped him at a luncheon in 2003. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article, the associated said in an official statement. He claims in 2003, he was sexually assaulted by Hollywood Foreign Press Association president Philip Berk. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. . Absolutely. Lorenzo Soria, the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association which runs the Golden Globe Awards died Friday at his Los Angeles home, a family member told Variety. HFPA President Lorenzo Soria expressed his enthusiasm and hopes for what the grant bestowed upon CSUN will bring. 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. 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. president criticizing Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors and likening BLM to a hate group . The alleged groping occurred at the Beverly Hills Hotel. 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. "And he starts moving it around." Absolutely. Do I feel like I need to say something? His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. 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. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. ", Kourtney Kardashian Shut Down a Fan Who Asked If She's Pregnant and Ignited a Debate About Women's Bodies. . 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. 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. In response, both MRC and NBC, both of which are involved in the production and broadcasting of the Golden Globe Awards, demanded Berk's expulsion from the HFPA, and two days after sending the email Berk was removed from the HFPA after 44 years of membership. I call them friends in my mind. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital "The Whale" star, 53, won't be attending the 2023 Golden Globe Awards next year even if he's nominated for his role in the highly-praised drama. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced the re-election of Helen Hoehne to another term as president.According to the HFPA's press release, Hoehne won by "an overwhelming margin." 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 . Leslie Grace Disagrees with Claim 'Batgirl' Was 'Unreleasable': There Was 'Potential for a Good Film' 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. Write to Abigail Abrams at abigail.abrams@time.com. Fraser went home and told his then-wife, Afton Smith,what happened. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. Brendan Fraser Says Lost Superman Role Would've Been 'Faustian Bargain' Anyway: 'I'm Not a One-Trick Pony' Fraser said that at the time, he panicked: "I felt ill. And he starts moving it around, Fraser told the magazine, recalling becomingovercome with panic and fear. The actor immediately left the luncheon and went home to his wife, who he said he told about the interaction. All Rights Reserved. "I'm humbled to be elected by my peers and colleagues here at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and. According to Fraser, though, it wasn't a joke, and he was overcome with fear and had to remove Berk's hand. 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. Absolutely, he says. "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. Berk has repeatedly claimed that all he did was jokingly pinch Fraser's butt. 01:57. I haven't spoken to them in years, but they're my friends. The HFPA said in a statement to GQ, "We conducted an internal review and then took it upon ourselves to commission an independent investigation into the matter to ensure impartiality. His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint, Fraser said. Magazines, Or create a free account to access more articles, Brendan Fraser Says Former Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Assaulted Him. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Absolutely," he said. And HFPA has stated that their payments are "vetted by a professional nonprofit compensation consultant and outside counsel, where appropriate. (Reuters) Brendan Fraser claims he was groped in 2003 by Philip Berk, then. Have I wanted to many, many times? 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.". Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! I felt ill, he said, recalling his emotions after he removed Berks hand. ", "Am I still frightened? I thought I was going to cry," Fraser said. 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. Now the new president is hoping for a clean slate. I didn't want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative," he says now. 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. I Didn't Start Masturbating Until I Was 30. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. In 2020, Norwegian entertainment journalist Kjersti Flaa sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association after she was denied membership into the group. Brendan Fraser (left) accused former Hollywood Foreign Press President Philip Berk of groping him in 2003. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. During a recent appearance on Howard Stern's SiriusXM talk show, Brendan Fraser continued to diss the Golden Globes. On his way out, he met Berk, whose organization votes on the Golden Globes. In a new interview with GQ, The Mummy star reveals he was. 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. ", However, as the Los Angeles Times investigation notes, these payments may go beyond what is reasonable. Brendan Fraser claims ex-Hollywood Foreign Press president groped him. The allegation comes in a current GQ profile of Fraser titled What Ever Happened to Brendan Fraser?. the first of which spanned from 2003 . 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. 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. Am I still frightened? (Reuters). Absolutely. According to Fraser, Berk placed his hand on his butt when they hugged at an HFPA luncheon. Mr. Berk wrote in his memoir that he did so in jest, but Fraser remembers the incident much differently. Absolutely., In the article, Berk says he wrote a letter to Fraser about the incident but admitted no wrongdoing.. / CBS News. "His left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint," said Fraser. We want to reiterate that the HFPA understands todayas it did 15 years agothat what Mr. Fraser experienced was inappropriate. Then, in April 2021, he was expelled from the organization after sending an article that described Black Lives Matters as a "racist hate movement" to HFPA members. Absolutely. The HFPA said that it is investigating further details surrounding the incident. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. Soon after NBC decided to cancel the 2022 broadcast of the Golden Globe Awards, actor Tom Cruise joined the boycott. 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. In addition to recognizing 2021's best in film and . Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Sign up for our Email Newsletters here. I felt like a little kid. 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. 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. That board 12 active (internal) members and three TBA non-members (outside) directly picked the new president to take over for Ali Sar. 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. sexually assaulted him in 2003. . Since 2012, the number of Syrian refugees alone has increased tenfold. Is it ever okay to ask a woman especially one who's publicly undergone IVF if she's pregnant? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Biography [ edit] Soria was born in Argentina to Italian parents who left the country during World War II. ", In an email to GQ, Berk denied these claims, reportedly writing, "Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, HFPA/GG will store your name and email address and use them to send the Weekly Globe newsletter. 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. 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. "And he starts moving it around." It's unclear whether or not any other stars will follow suit and physically return their own Golden Globes. In recounting this incident to GQ, Fraser stated that "his left hand reaches around, grabs my a** cheek, and one of his fingers touches me And he starts moving it around." 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. Absolutely.. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. We ask the experts. All rights reserved. The group even adopted the motto, "Unity without discrimination of religion or race," according to Hollywood Foreign Press Association: A History. Berk, no longer president of the HFPA but still a member, told GQ Fraser'sversion of events "is a total fabrication.. I think it was. Fraser described in aninterview with GQthe moment that "overcame him with panic and fear.". 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. Legal Statement. 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. Dave Quinn is an Editor for PEOPLE, working across a number of verticals including the Entertainment, Lifestyle and News teams. "I felt ill. 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." Do I feel like I need to say something? ", Related: Peter Jackson seems to confirm Weinstein blacklisted Mira Sorvino, Ashley Judd, Fraser added that he was emboldened to come forward by the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, saying: "I know Rose [McGowan], I know Ashley [Judd], I know Mira [Sorvino] I've worked with them. of self-dealing, ethical lapses. The actor says he believes he was blacklisted in Hollywood partly due to the aftermath of the alleged incident. . 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.". I felt like a little kid. Absolutely. 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.