Brendan Fraser has stated that if he is nominated for his performance in The Whale, he will boycott the 2023 Golden Globes.
Fraser, who is receiving career-best reviews for his performance in Darren Aronofsky’s new film, said in a new interview with GQ that he would not attend the event due to his history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Globes.
“I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” he explained before adding, “No, I will not participate.”
When asked why, the actor stated, “It’s because of the history I have with them.” And my mother did not bring up a hypocrite. You can call me a variety of names, but not that.”
Fraser made headlines again in 2018 when he accused Philip Berk, a former president and member of the HFPA, of groping and assaulting him in 2003. Berk insisted he did nothing wrong, and Fraser’s account of events was a “total fabrication.”
Following the article’s publication, the HFPA issued a statement saying, “The HFPA stands firmly against sexual harassment and the type of behavior described in this article.”
According to Fraser’s most recent GQ profile, the HFPA eventually returned to him with a proposed joint statement, which allegedly read: “Although it was concluded that Mr.
Fraser refused to approve the statement.
“I knew they’d band together,” Fraser said of the HFPA. “I knew they were going to kick the can down the road. I had a feeling they’d get ahead of the story. I knew I had no future with that system the way it was.”
Fraser went on to talk about the outpouring of love and support he received after the article was published.
Since then, he has been overwhelmed by the response to his performance in The Whale, and he has been visibly moved by standing ovations at both the London and Venice Film Festivals.