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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Golden Globes vows reform amid scrutiny over diversity

By Lindsey Bahr Associated Press

Facing heightened scrutiny regarding its membership and practices, the group behind the Golden Globe Awards says it’s now committed to immediate “transformational change” and reforms.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association said in a statement it would focus on adding Black and other underrepresented members to its organization, in addition to increasing transparency around its operations.

The group outlined initial steps that it will take over the next 60 days, including hiring independent experts to audit its bylaws and membership requirements, engaging in outreach to add Black professionals to the organization and hiring an independent law firm to review its policies and to set up a confidential way for individuals to report violations.

In the lead-up to the 2021 Golden Globes last Sunday, a series of exposés in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times cast an unflattering spotlight on the HFPA for its lack of Black members and financial practices, leading to widespread criticism from those in the entertainment industry.

Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler called for change on the broadcast, as did award winners including Jane Fonda and Dan Levy.

Three HFPA members took the stage during the show and acknowledged the controversy.

The Time’s Up Foundation issued a statement in response to the organization’s new game plan expressing skepticism that the HFPA will fix its problems and demanding more specific details, timetables and firm commitments.

Time’s Up president and CEO Tina Tchen said that “the clock is ticking.”