On the eve of the Golden Globes, Michael Russell has sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) for $2 million in lost salary and additional damages, charging the organization that runs the awards show with fraud and corrupt practices.
Among the abuses listed in the former Globes' publicist's suit are several examples of members abusing their positions including:
>> Accepting money, vacations, and gifts from studios in exchange for nominating their films.
>> Selling media credentials and red carpet space for profit.
>> Accepting payment from studios and producers for lobbying other members for awards nominations.
>> HFPA consistently directed Russell to bury stories in the press regarding HFPA's unethical practices.