Ex-publicist sues, calls Golden Globes org corrupt

Michael Russell says his employer of 17 years, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and its awards are tainted by fraud and corrupt practices. According to The Wrap, the suit seeks $2 million in damages and alleges the stager of the Golden Globes is guilty of:

• 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.
• {And] consistently directed Russell to bury stories in the press regarding HFPA's unethical practices.

At the root of it is, of course, a terminated contract. No response yet from the HFPA, says The Wrap.