Brendan Fraser claims he was groped by a Hollywood executive
The Mummy and George of the Jungle actor alleges the incident effected his career
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Your support makes all the difference.Brendan Fraser has alleged that he was sexually assaulted by a top Hollywood executive and that the incident led to his own career suffering.
In an interview with GQ, the once mega-star spoke candidly about an incident he says took place at the 2003 Golden Globes luncheon, hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
Fraser alleges that former HFPA president Philip Berk took him aside and reached out for a handshake. The actor claims: “His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around.”
“I felt ill. I felt like a little kid,” Fraser adds. “I felt like there was a ball in my throat. I thought I was going to cry.”
The actor told the publication he exited the event, deciding not to tell police officers about the alleged incident and not speaking publicly because he “didn't want to contend with how that made me feel, or it becoming part of my narrative.”
Berk has previously recounted the incident, joking that he “pinched” Fraser’s behind but no assault took place. Berk denies the newly surfaced account, saying: “Mr. Fraser's version is a total fabrication.”
Representatives for Fraser later asked for an apology from the HFPA, Berk saying an apology was issued, telling GQ: “My apology admitted no wrongdoing, the usual ‘If I've done anything that upset Mr. Fraser, it was not intended and I apologise.’ ”
Although Berk denies any wrongdoing, Fraser alleges the incident left him “depressed” and made him “retreat — It made me feel reclusive.”
“Am I still frightened? Absolutely,” the actor says. “Do I feel like I need to say something? Absolutely. Have I wanted to many, many times? Absolutely. Have I stopped myself? Absolutely.”
Fraser’s allegations come amidst multiple Hollywood actors calling out sexual harassment in the industry, a movement that kickstarted when allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein were published last year.
During the prolific interview, the actor also details how receiving multiple surgeries after suffering injuries from performing stunts, along with dealing with divorce, and not getting the role of Superman, were part of the reason for removing himself from Hollywood’s limelight.
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