Former HFPA member argues new lawsuit threatens his case in Los Angeles court
In a heated hearing at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, former HFPA journalist Husam “Sam” Asi asked Judge Daniel Crowley to consider a recent federal suit against the Globes' new owners, while the judge postponed a ruling on his own contempt issue.
At the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, former Hollywood Foreign Press Association member Husam “Sam” Asi sought to shift the judge’s attention to a newly filed federal lawsuit by ex-HFPA members against the Globes’ current owner Jay Penske and former foundation chief Gregory Goeckner, arguing it weakens his own case. Asi, defended by a public defender, warned that the HFPA’s discovery in his suit was based on false statements.
Judge Daniel Crowley, appearing puzzled, floated the possibility of a trial, but HFPA counsel immediately pushed for a summary-judgment motion, accusing Asi of stalling. Asi countered that the HFPA had repeatedly threatened summary judgment without filing it. The judge did not resolve the contempt allegation tied to Asi’s failure to pay a seven-figure fee, instead postponing that decision for three months, with the next hearing set for November 18. Observers described the proceedings as chaotic, reflecting the broader turmoil surrounding the Golden Globes organization’s recent for-profit transition.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights ongoing legal battles over the Golden Globes' ownership and governance, affecting the industry's award system.
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