Brendan Fraser Opens Up About the Emotional Impact of Alleged Groping Incident

In a recent interview with Lee Cowan on CBS Mornings, Brendan Fraser discussed the lasting effects of his alleged experience with s**ual assault.

The 54-year-old actor claimed that former HFPA President Philip Berk s**ually assaulted him in the summer of 2003, a claim that Berk disputes.

When asked by Cowan if the incident had “derailed everything,” Fraser responded affirmatively, stating, “Well, yes, because there's a system in place that is about power.”

He went on to explain that he had always played by the rules until that point, but suddenly felt violated and no longer willing to tolerate such behavior.

Fraser revealed that the incident caused him both emotional and personal distress.

He recounted the alleged assault, which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel after a luncheon they both attended.

According to Fraser, Berk reached out to shake his hand but instead grabbed his buttocks and touched him inappropriately.

The actor explained that he decided to speak up about the incident because he saw many of his friends and colleagues bravely sharing their own stories of abuse.

“I had something to say, too,” Fraser asserted.

While Berk did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, he has denied the assault ever occurred when interviewed by The New York Times.

Berk's expulsion from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) occurred in April 2021, after he sent an email to fellow members criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement and one of its co-founders, Patrisse Cullors.

Fraser, who has had a long history with the HFPA, stated that he will not participate in the upcoming Golden Globe Awards, even if he receives a nomination for his highly acclaimed performance in The Whale.

“I have more history with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association than I have respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” Fraser expressed.

He emphasized that he won't be hypocritical and will stand by his principles.

If you or someone you know has experienced s**ual assault, please reach out to the National s**ual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for support.