A few weeks remain before we find out who will be nominated for a Golden Globe in 2023, but one of the leading actors has already hinted that he will not attend the ceremony.
Even though he is expected to be nominated for a Golden Globe for his dramatic turn in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale (in theatres on December 9), Brendan Fraser told GQ for its cover story on Wednesday that he will not be attending the ceremony in January.
Directly addressing the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, he said, “I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than I do respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.” “I’m not going to join in on this.”
For those who have been following the fallen star’s career, his explanation makes sense: “It’s because of my past with them.” Nobody in my family is a hypocrite because that’s not how my mom brought us up. I don’t mind being called “whatever you want,” but that’s not one of them.
Fraser stated in a 2018 GQ profile that the allegation of sexual assault made by former HFPA president Philip Berk was the final straw that caused him to leave Hollywood for good after only four years.
During a 2003 HFPA luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Fraser claimed that Berk inappropriately touched him.
The outlet reports that Fraser said his representatives did request a written apology from the HFPA, despite his decision not to go public with the allegation at the time. While he did apologise for upsetting the actor, Berk told GQ, “my apology admitted no wrongdoing, the usual ‘If I’ve done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, I apologise; that was certainly not my intention. In 2018, the organisation issued a statement condemning sexual harassment and saying it had “previously been unaware” of Fraser’s allegation.
The Breakdown And Its Root Cause
Several articles in the Los Angeles Times highlighted the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s (HFPA) diversity problems, racism allegations, and ethics complaints, leading to NBC’s decision not to air the last Golden Globes. The awards ceremony for the previous year was broadcast live on Twitter. When asked by GQ if he supported the HFPA’s recent reforms—which have included appointing a chief diversity officer and forming a partnership with the NAACP—Fraser said, “At the moment, no. “As for how much they actually do, only time will tell.” I can’t predict their actions at all. I simply don’t know.”
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) denied to GQ that they had ever apologised to Fraser for the alleged assault, and Fraser countered that he had never received an apology from the HFPA. There has been some confusion over whether or not Berk’s previous refusal to admit guilt should be interpreted as an apology.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) advised Brendan Fraser to issue a statement after the incident went public saying that while it was determined that Philip Berk inappropriately touched him, the evidence suggests the touch was meant to be humorous rather than as an intimate overture.
Brendan Fraser declined, so Berk was spared any repercussions. Fraser said he “still fears” what coming out could mean for him. Berk voted for the HFPA even after an article calling Black Lives Matter a “racist hate movement” went viral; he was eventually kicked out of the organisation in April 2021. Fraser said, “at the moment, no,” indicating that he does not believe the rumoured HFPA reforms to their voting and membership procedures have made any progress so far.
After stating his case, the actor said, “I owe it to myself.” to continue to promote and campaign for The Whale in every possible way, even if he doesn’t win any awards for it tonight. The filmmakers have my gratitude. It’s what I owe the people who spent money and stood in line for hours just to see me perform. It’s a responsibility I feel towards my own children. Okay, here’s my chance.
Conclusion
After all was said and done, he was bombarded with inquiries from the internet media. When he finally feels vindicated after all of this speculation, only time will tell. To learn more, please subscribe to our newsletter.
