#Hollywood Foreign Press Association accused of being an illegal cartel

A Norwegian entertainment reporter sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Monday, alleging a “culture of corruption” under which reporters abuse their power to suppress competition.

Kjersti Flaa filed the complaint in federal court in Los Angeles, alleging that the HFPA operates as a cartel in violation of antitrust laws. The HFPA has 87 members, whose primary function is to vote on the annual Golden Globe Awards.

According to the suit, the organization repeatedly rejected Flaa’s application for membership. She alleges that the HFPA leverages its clout to obtain junkets and monopolize the market for Hollywood coverage in various countries.

“The HFPA is so focused on protecting its monopoly position and tax-free benefits that it has adopted Bylaw provisions that exclude from membership all objectively qualified applicants who might possibly compete with an existing member,” the suit states.

The HFPA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.