In a shocking revelation, actor Brendan Fraser has come forward with allegations of s**ual assault against Philip Berk, the ex-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
In an interview with GQ, Fraser claims that Berk 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 touched him inappropriately.
The actor described feeling overwhelmed with fear and discomfort, comparing the experience to that of a frightened child.
Fraser immediately confided in his wife about the incident but was hesitant to go public with his story due to the emotional impact it had on him.
Fraser's representatives requested an apology from the HFPA on his behalf.
Berk responded with an apology that did not acknowledge any wrongdoing, stating that if he had upset Fraser in any way, it was unintentional.
However, Fraser maintains that Berk's actions were not a joke and caused him significant distress.
Berk, who temporarily stepped down from his position at the HFPA in 2014 following criticism of his memoir, denies Fraser's allegations.
In an email to GQ, he dismisses Fraser's version of events as a fabrication.
The HFPA, in response to the allegations, issued a statement condemning s**ual harassment and expressing their commitment to investigating the incident.
They also highlighted their continued positive working relationship with Fraser over the years.
Fraser admits that the incident had a profound impact on his life, causing him to withdraw from the public eye.
He wonders if the HFPA blacklisted him as a result, as he was rarely invited back to the Golden Globe Awards, which are organized by the HFPA, after 2003.
Fraser speculates that this may have contributed to the decline of his career, questioning why the phone stopped ringing for new opportunities.
Inspired by the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, Fraser felt empowered to share his story.
He mentions knowing actresses Rose McGowan, Ashley Judd, and Mira Sorvino, whom he considers friends.
Fraser admires their courage in speaking out and acknowledges that he had wanted to do the same for years but held back due to fear.
Despite feeling frightened, Fraser believes it is crucial to speak his truth.
Fraser's allegations against Berk add another name to the growing list of individuals accused of s**ual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
As investigations continue, the impact of these revelations on Hollywood's culture and the careers of those involved remains to be seen.
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