Scarlett Johansson Slams Golden Globes Body Over "Sexist Questions And Remarks"

Scarlett Johansson has called on her fellow actors to "take a step back" from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association — the organisation behind the Golden Globes — as she slammed the "sexist questions and remarks" she's received from its members.

In a statement released to Variety on Saturday (May 8), the Black Widow star told Variety: "As an actor promoting a film, one is expected to participate in awards season by attending press conferences as well as awards shows. 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 conference.

"The HFPA is an organisation that was legitimised by the likes of Harvey Weinstein to amass momentum for Academy recognition and the industry followed suit. Unless there is necessary fundamental reform within the organisation, I believe it is time that we take a step back from the HFPA and focus on the importance and strength of unity within our unions and the industry as a whole."

Scarlett's statement is the latest upset faced by the embattled HFPA. In February, Los Angeles Times called out the group for its lack of diversity and inclusivity: it hasn't had a single Black member in their ranks in over two decades. The article also revealed that the HFPA had paid large sums to members for serving on committees and accepted lavish junket trips.

Last month, the HFPA found itself in hot water over comments made by former president Phil Berk about Black Lives Matter being “a hate movement.” Berk was later removed from the HFPA.

On Thursday, the HFPA approved measures to increase the number of people of colour in its membership and restrictions on gifts and payment for members’ work on committees. But the industry remains skeptical.

“The window-dressing platitudes adopted yesterday are neither the transformation that was promised nor what our creative community deserves," Time's Up president Tina Tchen responded. “Any organisation or sponsors that set themselves up to pass judgment on our vibrant community of creators and talent must do better." — BANG SHOWBIZ

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