The Hollywood Foreign Press (HFPA), the organization that organizes the Golden Globes, affected by the crisis, expelled Philip Berk, its former president, who caused widespread outrage by sharing an anti-Black Lives Matter article describing the movement as a “hate.” racist group “.
In a brief statement, HFPA said, “Immediately, Phil Berk is no longer a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.” The HFPA movement follows sincere criticism from NBC, the TV network that broadcasts and pays for the Golden Globes, which demanded Berk’s expulsion. “NBC strongly condemns Phil Berk’s actions … [and] rapid action on this front is a key element for NBC to move forward with HFPA and the Golden Globes. ”
Berk’s removal followed controversy over his e-mail, reported by the LA Times, in which he submitted an article on a right-wing site. A number of HFPA members responded angrily to Berk’s e-mail, writing: “The vile rhetoric contained in this screed is simply unacceptable,” and another called Berk “a thunderous shame.”
However, HFPA was hit by other problems after it was reported that Dr. Shaun Harper, his recently hired diversity and inclusion advisor, had resigned. Harper, executive director of USC’s Race and Equity Center, was hired as a consultant by HFPA after criticizing the organization’s lack of diversity. He allegedly resigned after a meeting with representatives of the Time’s Up campaign group, including director-producer Ava DuVernay and producer Shonda Rhimes.
The Hollywood Reporter quoted Harper’s resignation letter as saying, “I no longer trust our ability to collaboratively achieve the transformative change that the industry and its people that I deeply respect demand of you.”
Another recently hired consultant for HFPA, the crisis management firm Smith & Company, led by famed “crisis guru” Judy Smith, also deviated from his advisory role.
The crisis that engulfed HFPA began shortly before the January Golden Globes award ceremony, when an LA Times report accused the organization of a lack of diversity in its composition, as well as “ethical decay.” carried out its activity.