Philip Berk, a former president and longtime member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that governs and votes for the annual Golden Globes, was removed from the group’s board of directors after sending an email calling Black Lives Matter a ” movement of hatred ”.
The board of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association said in an e-mail on Tuesday that the 88-year-old is no longer a member of the organization. The decision comes hours after NBC – which broadcasts Globes – condemned Berk’s actions and called for “immediate expulsion”.
The show’s producer, Dick Clark Productions, also demanded the removal of Berk.
Berk, a president of the association with eight terms, fell under intense control after sending an e-mail on Sunday criticizing the co-founder of Patrișa Cullori, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter.
GOLDEN GLOBES PROMISES TO ADD 13 BLACK MEMBERS FOLLOWING THE RACE CONTROVERSY
Berk, born in South Africa, shared an article calling the Black Lives Matter a “racist hate movement” and described Cullors as a “self-proclaimed trained Marxist,” according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Former President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Philip Berk, speaks on stage during the announcement of the nomination for the 68th edition of the Golden Globe Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
The email was sent to HFPA members, staff and general counsel and the group’s chief operating officer.
Berk has been a member of the organization for more than 40 years.
GOLDEN GLOBES BODY’S VOTE WITHOUT JURORS TO MAKE “TRANSFORMING” REFORMS FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION
Shaun Harper, who was hired as HFPA’s diversity diversity advisor last month, said in a resignation letter that he was initially optimistic when he joined the organization, but felt compelled to resign after learning of the “depth systemic and reputational challenges. “
“I no longer trust our ability to collaboratively deliver the transformative change that the industry and its people, which I deeply respect, are calling for,” said Harper, a professor of racial, gender and LGBTQ issues at the University of New York. Marshall business in Southern California.
THE RESPONSE OF THE EXTERNAL PRESS ASSOCIATION FROM HOLLYWOOD, TIME’S UP SLAMS, TO THE LEFT OF DIVERSITY AS “NOT A SOLUTION”
“My serious commitment to the racial and gender issues I work with on a daily basis makes it impossible for me to continue to serve as a consultant with HFPA,” he continued.
In February, the HFPA was criticized for its lack of diversity. At the time, the group had 87 members who are journalists, but none are black, the Times reported.
Click here to get the FOX NEWS app
The organization said an “action plan” was being developed to admit black members.
An HFPA spokesman did not immediately return Fox News’ request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.