Former Hollywood Foreign Press Association president sends email to members calling Black Lives Matter a “racist hate movement”

Los Angeles Times

As the organization behind the Golden Globes is dealing with a lack of Black representation, former HFPA president Phil Berk generated a heated conversation with an email to HFPA members on Sunday blasting Black Lives Matter. The HFPA released a statement Monday in response, distancing itself from Berk. “Since its inception, the HFPA has dedicated itself to bridging cultural connections and creating further understanding of different backgrounds through film and TV," the HFPA said. "The views expressed in the article circulated by Mr. Berk are those of the author of the article and do not — in any way shape or form — reflect the views and values of the HFPA. The HFPA condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and hate speech and finds such language and content unacceptable.” Berk has generated controversy a number of times. In 2018, Brendan Fraser accused Berk of sexually assaulting him in 2003 by touching him inappropriately at a 2003 function.