News
Bryan Sullivan Weighs in on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s $150 Million Lawsuit in TheWrap
Bryan Sullivan recently spoke to TheWrap about the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s new federal lawsuit against Jay Penske, Penske Media Corporation, the Golden Globe Foundation, and Golden Globe Foundation CEO Gregory Goeckner, which alleges the 2023 sale of the Golden Globes was tainted by fraud and anticompetitive conduct.
The article, titled “HFPA Sues Penske Over ‘Fraudulent’ Golden Globes Takeover, Shaking Up Awards Landscape,” explains that the HFPA contends that Penske’s media empire gives it immense influence over the Hollywood awards universe. HFPA asserts this results in monopolistic control over three key entertainment-industry markets: Hollywood trades, awards and advertising markets. The complaint seeks $150 million in damages and asks the court to void HFPA’s dissolution.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association dissolved in 2023 after corruption, lack of diversity, and ethical lapses among its members was exposed in a two-part Los Angeles Times report. After the release of this report, Hollywood turned against the Globes.
Bryan tells TheWrap that while the allegations fall under antitrust law, he believes the HFPA will be facing an uphill battle.
“HFPA alleges the 2023 sale was tainted by fraud, conflicts of interest and exclusionary conduct designed to eliminate independent press oversight, which does fit into antitrust law if the allegations are proven true,” he explains. “However, the HFPA appears to have a very difficult case because courts may view the organization’s past scandals and its own vote to restructure as undermining its claims, and they waited a few years after government approval of the deal.”