HFPA Sues Penske Media for Alleged Fraud in Golden Globes Acquisition, Seeks $150 Million Damages
July 28, 2026
HFPA initially planned to wind down operations after the sale but paused the dissolution to investigate alleged malfeasance and conflicts of interest related to the sale.
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The suit alleges post-transaction changes favorable to Eldridge, including a $27.5 million gift from HFPA profits in 2023 and an amended deal not properly presented to HFPA members.
Related background covers HFPA reforms, its dissolution, and the 2026 Golden Globes winners coverage as context to the ongoing dispute.
NBC had previously dropped the Globes, and HFPA’s reform under Boehly included paying members and managing assets under the Golden Globes LLC, with a separate nonprofit structure.
Context given includes the Globes’ turbulent 2020s, NBC’s boycott following a 2021 LA Times report on HFPA diversity, the 2023 sale to CBS and Eldridge-backed buyers, and Boehly’s broader holdings though he is not directly named as a defendant.
Kasowitz Benson Torres represents HFPA, with partners Daniel A. Saunders and Robert W. Bosslet and associates Dwayne A. Amos and Kristine B. Abrenica filing the case.
Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge announced in June 2023 that they had taken over the Golden Globes from the HFPA.
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the former owners of the Golden Globes, has filed a lawsuit against Penske Media Corporation and others, alleging a fraudulent acquisition of the Globes to create an entertainment industry monopoly.
The complaint puts forward 20 causes of action, including federal and state antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, unjust enrichment, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and legal malpractice, seeking damages over $150 million plus treble damages, injunctive relief, and disgorgement of ill-gotten gains.
Historically, HFPA previously sued Dick Clark Productions in 2010 over telecast rights, leading to a 2014 settlement after a federal ruling in DCP’s favor.
The article provides background on the Hollywood Foreign Press Association as the central entity involved in the dispute.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

Variety • Jul 28, 2026
Hollywood Foreign Press Association Sues Penske Media Corporation
Bloomberg Law • Jul 28, 2026
Penske Sued by Hollywood Foreign Press Over Golden Globes Moves
