Entertainment
Scarlett Johansson joins criticism of Golden Globes body amid accusations of discrimination
Hollywood’s famed actress Scarlett Johansson has joined criticism of the body behind the Golden Globe Awards over how it plans to tackle discrimination.
According to details, the organizers of Golden the ‘Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA)’ has been accused of a lack of variety and shadowy workings.
Earlier this week the body had voted in favor of reforming its structure.
But Johansson is among stars and industry figures who say it still needs "fundamental reform".
The Golden Globes are second only to the Oscars in terms of profile, but organizers have been accused of discriminatory practices, accepting "freebies" and other ethical lapses.
In February, an exposé in the Los Angeles Times revealed there were no black people among the organisation's 87 members who vote for the awards.
This week, the HFPA outlined a package of reforms to how it works in a bid to make the organisation more inclusive.
They include widening its membership, with an emphasis on recruiting black members, and hiring diversity advisers. It also said it would loosen its cloak of secrecy and strict admission rules.
"Today's overwhelming vote to reform the Association reaffirms our commitment to change," said HFPA president Ali Sar in a statement on Thursday.
Many high-profile Hollywood figures have said the initiatives are not good enough.
Ms Johansson, who has been nominated for five Golden Globes, urged others in the film industry to boycott the organization unless it makes significant internal changes.
The 36-year-old recalled facing "sexist questions and remarks by certain HFPA members that bordered on sexual harassment".
"Unless there is necessary fundamental reform within the organization, I believe it is time that we take a step back from the HFPA and focus on the importance and strength of unity within our unions and the industry as a whole," she said.
Ms Johansson's Avengers co-star Mark Ruffalo joined her, writing that the HFPA's reforms were "discouraging" in a social media post on Friday.
"Now is the time to step up and right the wrongs of the past," he said. "Honestly, as a recent winner of a Golden Globe, I cannot feel proud or happy about being a recipient of this award."
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