Philip Berk, a former president and longtime member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization that governs and votes for the annual Golden Globes, has been removed from the group’s board after sending an email to Black Lives Matter ‘ called a “hate movement”.
The board of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association said in an email Tuesday that the 88-year-old is no longer a member of the organization. The decision comes hours after NBC – which broadcasts the Globes – condemned Berk’s actions and called for an immediate suspension.
The show’s producer, Dick Clark Productions, is also demanding that Berk be removed.
Berk, a back-to-back association president, was scrutinized after sending an email Sunday about Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrice Cullors.
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The South African-born Berk shared an article calling Black Lives Matter a ‘racist hate movement’ and describing Cullors as a ‘self-proclaimed Marxist’, according to a Los Angeles Times report.
Former Hollywood Foreign Association president Philip Berk speaks on stage during the 68th annual Golden Globe Awards.
(Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
The email was sent to HFPA members, staff and the group’s general counsel and chief operating officer.
Berk has been a member of the organization for more than 40 years.
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Shaun Harper, who was appointed by the HFPA last month as an adviser on diversity strategies, said in a resignation letter that he was initially optimistic when he joined the organization, but he feels compelled to retire after leaving the group’s’ deep systemic and reputation ‘. challenges.”
“I no longer have confidence in our ability to bring together the transformational change that the industry and the people in it, which I deeply respect, demand of you,” Harper said. He is Professor of Racial, Gender and LGBTQ Issues at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
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“My serious, unwavering commitment to the racial and gender equality issues I work on every day makes it impossible for me to continue to consult with the HFPA,” he continued.
In February, the HFPA was criticized for its lack of diversity. The group at the time had 87 members who are journalists, but no one is black, reports the Times.
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The organization said an ‘action plan’ had been developed to include black members.
A representative of the HFPA did not immediately return Fox News’ request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.