The Golden Globes – A Hollywood Tradition Halted Over Lack of Diversity & Ethical Concerns

A decades-long tradition has come to a screeching halt in Hollywood. NBC has announced that the network will not air the 2022 Golden Globes after an investigation by the Los Angeles Times revealed alleged issues with diversity and corruption. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the nonprofit responsible for the awards, has been under criticism not only over its lack of diversity, but for accepting gifts from prospective nominees as well as the close relationships between the HFPA and movie studios, which may influence the choice of Golden Globe nominees and winners.

The Los Angeles Times report also revealed there were no Black reporters among the 87-member group of foreign entertainment journalists who make up the HFPA. In response, the group introduced a plan that would increase the number of Black reporters and people of color within its organization. They also proposed restrictions on the gifts its voters can accept and the payment they receive for their work on committees.  

To assist in implementing these measures, HFPA hired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) specialist who has since stepped down due to differing views on the organization’s implementation of its DEI initiatives. 

NBC responded to HFPA’s plan and said in a statement, “We continue to believe that the HFPA is committed to meaningful reform. However, change of this magnitude takes time and work, and we feel strongly that the HFPA needs time to do it right. As such, NBC will not air the 2022 Golden Globes.” 

NBC also said that while it would not air the Golden Globes in 2022, it’s hopeful the ceremony will return in 2023. Several other major outlets, including Netflix and WarnerMedia announced they would not participate in any Globes-related events until the issues had been adequately addressed. Some of Hollywood’s biggest voices also called for boycotts against the organization. Actor Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globes to the HFPA, according to Variety. 

How Businesses/Employers Can Help Improve Diversity In The Workplace

There are multiple actions businesses can take to help hire and retain employees from underrepresented groups. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Develop hiring and recruiting programs that provide targeted outreach to minority employment candidates. adidas and Reebok recently announced their plans to hire Black and other employees of color for 30% of new jobs in the United States.
  • Develop training, mentorship, and sponsorship programs for minority candidates and employees. This will provide these individuals with the opportunity to train for positions, trades, and professional fields that they may not normally have access to. For example, IBM is offering New Collar Job opportunities, where the focus is on skills and not degrees. Their innovative apprentice program allows individuals to develop skills, earn digital credentials, and make real-world contributions while also receiving a paycheck.
  • Identify positions and opportunities for minority candidates and employees that provide living-wage jobs and upward mobility. This can be encouraged by offering opportunities for employees to continue their education and obtain certifications and other qualifications that will help them climb the ladder of success within the company and beyond.

 

Experienced Employment Law Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator, Investigator, Legal and Media Commentator 

 

Twice-named a U.S. News Best Lawyer in America for employment and labor law, Angela Reddock-Wright is an employment and labor law attorney, mediator, arbitrator, and certified workplace and Title IX investigator (AWI-CH) in Los Angeles, CA. Known as the “Workplace Guru,” Angela is an influencer and leading authority on employment, workplace/HR, Title IX, hazing, and bullying issues.

Angela is a regular legal and media commentator and analyst and has appeared on such media outlets as Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Law and Crime with Brian Ross, Court TV, CNN, NewsNation, ABC News, CBS News, Fox 11 News, KTLA-5, the Black News Channel, Fox Soul – The Black Report, NPR, KPCC, Airtalk-89.3, KJLH Front Page with Dominique DiPrima, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times, Forbes.com, Yahoo! Entertainment, People Magazine, Essence Magazine, the Los Angeles Sentinel, LA Focus, Daily Journal, Our Weekly and the Wave Newspapers.

Angela is a member of the panel of distinguished mediators and arbitrators with Judicate West, a California dispute resolution company.  She also owns her own dispute resolution law firm, the Reddock Law Group of Los Angeles, specializing in the mediation, arbitration, and investigation of employment discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other workplace claims, along with Title IX, sexual harassment, assault, and misconduct conduct cases, along with hazing and bullying cases in K-12 schools, colleges and universities, fraternities and sororities; fire, police and other public safety agencies and departments; and other private and public sector workplaces.

For more information regarding resources for employers, businesses, and employees during this time, connect with her on LinkedIn for new updates, or contact her here. You may also follow her on Instagram.

This communication is not legal advice. It is educational only. For legal advice, consult with an experienced employment law attorney in your state or city.

 

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