Golden Globes founders sue Penske Media for fraud in acquisition
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has initiated legal action against Penske Media Corporation, accusing it of fraud and antitrust breaches related to the 2023 purchase of the Golden Globe Awards. The lawsuit, submitted in California's federal court on Tuesday, alleges that Jay Penske conspired with Todd Boehly to orchestrate a boycott, thereby lowering the awards' value for an inexpensive purchase. According to the plaintiffs, Boehly and Eldridge concealed Penske's role from the HFPA board. The suit claims that the buyers promised HFPA members lifetime tickets and voting rights but later went back on their word. The current owners have labeled the lawsuit as "absurdity." The plaintiffs are seeking damages of at least $150 million and the annulment of the agreement to disband the HFPA.
Key facts
- Lawsuit filed by HFPA members against Penske Media Corporation
- Alleges fraud and antitrust violations in 2023 acquisition of Golden Globes
- Claims Jay Penske colluded with Todd Boehly to instigate boycott and devalue the awards
- Penske Media owns Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Dick Clark Productions
- HFPA members promised lifetime tickets and voting privileges but conditions were attached
- Golden Globes faced boycott in 2021 after LA Times investigation on lack of diversity
- NBC refused to air 2022 awards; show moved to CBS after acquisition
- Plaintiffs seek at least $150 million in damages and to cancel HFPA dissolution
Entities
Institutions
- Hollywood Foreign Press Association
- Penske Media Corporation
- Eldridge Industries
- Dick Clark Productions
- Golden Globe Foundation
- Globes LLC
- NBC
- CBS
- Los Angeles Times
- Variety
- Deadline
- The Hollywood Reporter
- Rolling Stone
- Billboard
Locations
- Los Angeles
- California
- Beverly Hills