The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) has filed a lawsuit in a US federal court in California against Penske Media Corporation (PMC), its chairman Jay Penske, the Golden Globe Foundation and its CEO Gregory Goeckner. The former organiser of the Golden Globe Awards is seeking damages of at least US$150 million, as well as the reversal of the takeover of the Golden Globes’ assets, which was completed in 2023.
According to the plaintiffs, the takeover was allegedly part of a long-term plan to weaken the HFPA and subsequently gain control of the Golden Globes and key sectors of the entertainment and awards market. The lawsuit alleges, amongst other things, that the defendants have breached US antitrust law, committed fraud, engaged in unfair competition and breached their duties.
At the heart of the allegations is the claim that Penske Media and the businessman Todd Boehly deliberately ramped up public pressure on the HFPA from 2021 onwards in order to undermine the organisation’s value. At the same time, Boehly is alleged to have been involved in the takeover negotiations in his capacity as interim CEO of the HFPA, despite his role as a potential buyer. The plaintiffs view this as a serious conflict of interest.
Furthermore, the HFPA argues that, by acquiring the Golden Globes, Penske Media has further strengthened its already dominant position in the market for specialist entertainment media, awards ceremonies and so-called „For Your Consideration“ advertising. The statement of claim refers to shareholdings and ownership structures in industry media, awards, data service providers and production companies, which, in the plaintiffs’ view, are said to constitute a dominant market position.
The defendants reject the allegations. A spokesperson for the Golden Globes stated that the transaction had been legally concluded several years ago and had received all the necessary approvals. The lawsuit is unfounded and lacks any basis.
The proceedings have once again brought one of the most significant transactions in the international awards industry into the spotlight. The legal proceedings will now determine whether the lawsuit will have any impact on the ownership structure of the Golden Globes