The Golden Globes are always at the center of some excitement.
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Just eight days after former members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) initiated a massive $150 million lawsuit involving 20 charges against PMC CEO Jay Penske and Golden Globe Foundation CEO Gregory Goeckner, another twist occurred.
According to insiders speaking with Page Six Hollywood, the foundation’s board terminated Goeckner on August 6, reflecting an almost unanimous decision.
Insiders familiar with the Golden Globes’ internal dynamics have characterized Goeckner’s removal as an effective “coup.” This maneuver was reportedly led by foundation board members Silvia Bizio and Raffi Boghossian, and was executed without the consent or approval of Penske.
“They ousted all the responsible individuals who were there for noble, charitable reasons and installed HFPA loyalists,” a source explained. “They dismissed all the law firms, the audit company, and the publicist. Now, they’re bringing in people who won’t obstruct their efforts to reshape the Hollywood Foreign Press under the foundation’s guise.”
A significant amount of money is at stake here. The foundation, a nonprofit entity, manages around $55 million meant to be distributed to deserving recipients.
In 2023, Penske and CEO of Eldridge Industries Todd Boehly jointly purchased the Golden Globes, transforming it into a profit-making venture. The HFPA was dissolved, though some of its members, including Bizio and Boghosian, joined the new organization, while the charitable activities were transferred to the newly established Golden Globe Foundation.
Those HFPA members who did not transition to the restructured Golden Globes are now suing to challenge the 2023 acquisition, alleging that they were unaware that Boehly’s Eldridge functioned as a front for Penske until it was too late. Interestingly, Boehly is not a defendant in the lawsuit.
According to sources, Goeckner, previously the HFPA’s general counsel before the Penske/Boehly era, resisted the former HFPA leadership now consolidating power within the new Golden Globes structure, desiring a return to the old practices (such as all-expenses-paid trips and lavish gifts).
“He refused to transfer the funds from the foundation back to the HFPA folks,” a source close to the matter revealed. “He consulted with legal counsel, who informed him that such a move would contravene the Attorney General’s regulations and nonprofit bylaws. He followed this legal advice, and consequently, they dismissed him.”
A spokesperson for Penske Media declined to comment on the situation involving Goeckner. However, a significant indication of change is that Goeckner’s profile page on the Golden Globe Foundation’s website has been removed, and he no longer appears on the leadership roster.
Boghossian, who seems to have been present at the odd “Digger” event at the Warner Bros. studio lot that we mentioned recently, shared on Instagram about being elected as the new president of the foundation, stating, “I’m honored to share that I have been elected President of the Golden Globe Foundation.”
The dismissal of Goeckner could potentially complicate legal strategies, as he and Penske find themselves on the same side in the lawsuit brought by former HFPA members. While Latham & Watkins represents Penske and PMC, reportedly for a hefty fee of $5 million, Goeckner is currently seeking his own legal representation. Goeckner has declined to comment on the matter.
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Ellis McDowell is a trend analyst with a sharp eye for spotting the next big thing in entertainment. With years of experience in digital media and trend forecasting, Nora tracks the movements of influencers, viral content, and entertainment trends. Her insights help shape the stories that captivate our audience.
