Scarlett Johansson has revealed why she avoids the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). She compared HFPA to Harvey Weinstein and even urged other top Hollywood players to avoid the Golden Globes events. Johansson cited sexual harassment and lack of diversity within HFPA as some of the reasons for avoiding HFPA’s conferences.
Johansson whose starred in the movie Black Widow and set for release in July said she understands the importance of participating in award shows and press conferences organized by major players in the industry. But being constantly confronted with embarrassing sexist questions and the lack of major reforms within the organization are some of the reasons for her withdrawal from HFPA events.
“As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows,” Johansson stated. “In the past, this has often meant facing sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment. It is the exact reason why I, for many years, refused to participate in their conferences.”
Johansson said industry members must “take a step back from the HFPA” if its management would not carry out necessary and fundamental reforms that will reposition the organization for better progress. She noted that Hollywood members must work harder for unity within individual unions and the entertainment industry as a whole, Deadline reports.
Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos had earlier announced within the week that his organization and studio will no longer have anything to do with HFPA until it is completely reformed. Amazon Studios, GLAAD, The Black Journalists Association, Time’s Up, and several Hollywood image-makers have also condemned HFPA on many fronts.
HFPA disclosed in February that no black members exist within its ranks and this has drawn massive outcry from members of the public and industry players.
Source: pagesix.com