Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Former HFPA Members Sue Penske Over Golden Globes Acquisition
Some former members of the group that used to run the Golden Globes awards are suing the new owners, Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge Industries.
They say the new owners tricked them into selling the awards show by causing a big boycott and not telling them the whole truth.
The former members also say the new owners promised them special tickets and voting rights but didn't keep their word.
The new owners say the lawsuit is silly and that the former members are just trying to get free tickets.
The Golden Globes have had a lot of problems lately, including being criticized for not being inclusive and having only one Black member.
The awards show used to be on NBC but now it's on CBS.
Former HFPA members sued Penske Media and Eldridge Industries over the acquisition of the Golden Globes.
Allegations include fraud, deception, breach of promises, and infiltration of HFPA leadership.
Penske Media's assets include Variety, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, and Dick Clark Productions.
The Golden Globes have faced controversies, including a lack of diversity and a boycott by NBC.
The lawsuit claims Penske and Boehly manipulated California's nonprofit laws to drive down the acquisition price.
- Who
- Former members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) vs. Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge Industries
- What
- Lawsuit alleging fraud and deception in the acquisition of the Golden Globes
- When
- Lawsuit filed on Tuesday (specific date not provided)
- Where
- Federal court in California
- Why
- Allegations of fraud, deception, breach of promises, and manipulation of nonprofit laws
Former HFPA Members
Penske Media Corporation
Fraudulent Acquisition
Former HFPA Members
Alleged that Penske Media and Eldridge Industries engaged in fraud to acquire the Golden Globes, devaluing it through a boycott and deceiving the HFPA.
Penske Media Corporation
Denied allegations, stating the lawsuit is irrational and absurd, and that the HFPA is diverting resources from charitable causes.
Breach of Promises
Former HFPA Members
Claimed that Penske reneged on promises of lifetime Golden Globes tickets and voting privileges, attaching unworkable conditions.
Penske Media Corporation
No direct response to the breach of promises allegations.
Infiltration of HFPA Leadership
Former HFPA Members
Alleged that Penske infiltrated the HFPA leadership to push through the acquisition deal.
Penske Media Corporation
No direct response to the infiltration allegations.
- Plaintiffs
- Former members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)
- Defendants
- Penske Media Corporation, Jay Penske, Eldridge Industries, Todd Boehly
- Allegations
- Fraud, deception, breach of promises, infiltration of HFPA leadership, manipulation of nonprofit laws
- Golden Globes Current Owners
- Penske Media Corporation and Eldridge Industries
- Broadcast Home
- CBS
- Previous Broadcast Home
- NBC
- Year of Acquisition
- 2023
- HFPA's Ethical Issues
- Criticized for non-inclusivity, racism, and misconduct involving talent