The Hollywood Foreign Press Association terminated Philip Berk this week for sharing an editorial via email that called Black Lives Matter a “racist hate movement” and said it is "carrying on [Charles] Manson's work."
“Effective immediately, Phil Berk is no longer a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association,” the group said in a Tuesday statement, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Berk, 88, reportedly sent the email to union members and staff, as well as the group’s general counsel and chief operating officer, Gregory Goeckner, the outlet reported on Sunday.
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The article in the email concerned Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors reportedly acquiring a $1.4 million home in Topanga Canyon near Los Angeles.
“The house is down the road from one of the homes involved in the Manson murders which seems only appropriate since Manson wanted to start a race war. And Black Lives Matter is carrying on Manson’s work,” it said, continuing, “The founders of BLM have gone to work acting, writing, consulting, and promoting for Hollywood because their racist hate movement was always an entertainment industry production.”
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Moments after, association members scolded Berk for the email. Member Rui Coimbra reportedly responded, “As a former HFPA President and still a strong and influential voice in the group, this is not the [type] of information you should be disseminating to HFPA members,” continuing, “Please remove me from any racist email you wish to send to the membership. Dr. Harper has been notified, here, that you are equating the Black Lives Matter moment to the Charles Manson murderous gang.”
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Goeckner reportedly responded, “Phil — it is not appropriate to circulate material such as this, which many members and staff find deeply offensive, to all members and staff as though it is a matter of Association business. Please do not circulate this type of material again.”
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NBC, which broadcasts the Golden Globes, also denounced Berk over the email and called for him to be dismissed, according to several outlets.
“NBC strongly condemns Phil Berk’s actions and is calling for his immediate expulsion," it said in a statement. "While we continue to await the details of HFPA’s upcoming plan for reform, swift action on this front is an essential element for NBC to move forward with the HFPA and the Golden Globes.”
Berk’s ousting corresponds with the Tuesday resignation of the association’s diversity officer, Shaun Harper, who criticized the organization for having "deep systemic and reputational challenges" on his way out.
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