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While many of Hollywood’s elite are glamming up for a big night at the Golden Globes later, there’s one name you won’t see on the red carpet, despite the fact he’s up for an award.
Brendan Fraser, 54, has been nominated for the award for Best Drama Actor, thanks to his poignant turn as Charlie in The Whale.
The film sees him transformed into a 600lb recluse trying to reconnect with his teenage daughter after leaving his family for a gay lover – who later died, sparking a spiral of guilt-induced binge eating for the reclusive protagonist.
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The emotional role has been praised across the board by critics and cinema-goers after being released in the US last month, and in the UK next month, making the star a frontrunner for a slew of accolades this awards season.
But amid all the recognition he’s receiving, it seems Fraser is sticking to his guns, having previously said he wouldn’t be attending the Golden Globes even if he was nominated.
The reason stems back to a 2018 profile with GQ magazine, in which The Mummy star said Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) president Philip Berk groped him in 2003.
The organisation launched an internal investigation and according to Fraser, tried to explain Berk's alleged actions were intended as 'a joke'.
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The HFPA released a statement which read: "The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behaviour described in this article.
"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.
"This report includes alleged information that the HFPA was previously unaware of and at this time we are investigating further details surrounding the incident."
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In a later interview with GQ, Fraser explained how this meant he wouldn’t attend a future Golden Globes ceremony.
“I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than I have respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” he said.
“No, I will not participate.”
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Fraser added: “It’s because of the history that I have with them. And my mother didn’t raise a hypocrite. You can call me a lot of things, but not that.”
After feeling as though the Golden Globes ultimately acted as if he had never spoken out at all, he speculated that the matter may have been ‘too prickly or sharp-edged or icky’ for people to want to ‘invest emotionally’ into.
When asked if he believed in any of the HFPA’s announced reforms, he replied: “At the moment, no. Maybe time will tell if they’re going to… I don’t know what they’re going to do. I don’t know.”
Following a 2021 Los Angeles Times investigation into the HFPA, NBC - the organisation's broadcast partner - refused to broadcast the 2022 Golden Globes. The show will be back on the NBC in January due to the HFPA introducing changes to its policies.
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“We recognize the HFPA’s commitment to ongoing change and look forward to welcoming back the Golden Globes to NBC for its landmark 80th anniversary in January 2023,” Frances Berwick, chairman, entertainment networks, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said in a statement.
LADbible has reached out to the HFPA for comment.
Topics: Brendan Fraser, TV and Film, Golden Globes, Celebrity
Jess Hardiman