In a shocking revelation, Brendan Fraser has joined the #MeToo movement by speaking out about an alleged incident of s**ual assault involving a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
In an interview with GQ, the renowned actor claims that Philip Berk, then president of the HFPA, assaulted him at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the summer of 2003.
According to Fraser, Berk's left hand reached around and grabbed his buttock while one of his fingers made inappropriate contact.
The actor described feeling overwhelmed with fear and discomfort, eventually removing Berk's hand.
Berk, on the other hand, recounted the incident in his memoir, “With Signs and Wonders,” stating that he pinched Fraser's behind as a joke.
However, Fraser insists that it was not a joke and left him feeling distressed and vulnerable.
The incident had a profound impact on Fraser, who felt nauseous and vulnerable.
He confided in his wife but refrained from going public with the incident due to his apprehension about the consequences.
Seeking resolution, Fraser requested an apology from the HFPA through his representatives.
Berk responded by offering an apology that did not acknowledge any wrongdoing, which further exacerbated Fraser's distress.
Berk, who temporarily stepped down from the HFPA in 2014 following criticism surrounding his memoir, denied the allegations in an email to GQ.
He dismissed Fraser's account as a complete fabrication.
A statement from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association expressed their strong stance against s**ual harassment and stated that they were previously unaware of the incident.
They confirmed that they are currently investigating the matter.
Fraser believes that the incident contributed to his withdrawal from public life and speculated whether he was blacklisted by the HFPA.
He noted a decline in the number of invitations he received to the Golden Globe Awards, which are organized by the HFPA, after 2003.
This decline, he suggests, may have played a role in derailing his career.
Fraser expressed his belief that the #MeToo and Time's Up movements empowered him to speak out, inspired by the courage of his friends such as Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, and Mira Sorvino.
This revelation from Brendan Fraser adds another voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding s**ual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
As the investigation into the incident progresses, the HFPA faces scrutiny for their handling of the matter.
Fraser's bravery in coming forward serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
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