Why We Don’t Hear About Brendan Fraser Anymore

Summary

Brendan Fraser's acting career declined after he was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood Foreign Press Association executive and subsequently felt blacklisted when he spoke out.

Abstract

Brendan Fraser, known for his roles in "The Mummy" and "George of the Jungle," experienced a downturn in his Hollywood career following his allegation of sexual assault by Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, in 2003. Despite his talent and previous success, Fraser's decision to speak publicly about the incident led to a noticeable absence from major film roles and industry events, which he attributed to being blacklisted. The lack of consequences for Berk and the industry's inaction contrast with the progress made by the #MeToo movement, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address past injustices and serve justice to survivors like Fraser.

Opinions

The author suggests that Brendan Fraser's career suffered as a result of speaking out against sexual assault, implying a form of industry retaliation.
There is a critical view of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's handling of the situation, particularly regarding Philip Berk's continued role and the lack of support for Fraser.
The article expresses that despite societal progress and the #MeToo movement, there has been no reevaluation or rectification of the injustice faced by Fraser.
The author advocates for the importance of remembering and addressing the experiences of individuals who were affected by sexual assault in Hollywood prior to the #MeToo movement.
The piece calls for action to ensure that past perpetrators are held accountable and that survivors like Fraser receive justice, aligning with the broader goals of the #MeToo movement.

Why We Don’t Hear About Brendan Fraser Anymore — Time’s Up, Hollywood

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You may remember Brendan Fraser for his prominent roles in hit films “The Mummy” and “George of the Jungle,” but have you ever wondered why he hasn’t graced the big screen in another blockbuster hit since the late 90’s?

With his top-notch acting abilities, good looks, and charm he was on the trajectory of becoming Hollywood’s next “It Man”. Fraser seemed to be front and center of every major film in the late 90’s, to suddenly falling off the map. But if he was on his way to transitioning into the next Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise, why did his career seemingly fall through the cracks?

Fraser admitted during an interview with GQ in 2018, that he had been sexually assaulted by the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Philip Berk, during a luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2003. The aftermath of this experience had left Brendan feeling “ill” and “like a little kid,” according to the GQ article, but it did not end there. After Fraser openly spoke out about the situation, Berk denied the severity of the allegations, calling them a “fabrication”.

Fraser confessed in the GQ interview that upon speaking out on the abuse, he felt that he had been blacklisted from Hollywood, as he noticed he no longer received invitations to the same award shows he once attended. Fraser was also not obtaining the same leading roles he previously was. Berk has since come out to say that he does not feel responsible for the plummeting of Frasers career, deeming it his own doing.

Thankfully, we as a society have progressed since the early 2000’s, and many of the revealed perpetrators of sexual assault in Hollywood have been undergoing appropriate punishments for their wrong doings. However, it is worth noting that in Fraser’s case, no action was taken against Berk or his career, even after Fraser came forward with his allegations. Berk was able to continue his position as the president of HFPA, leaving Fraser struggling as a blacklisted actor in Hollywood.

In light of the #MeToo movement, and the long awaited wave of women empowerment Hollywood is undergoing, it is of importance that we do not forget the brave men and women who spoke out about their own battles with sexual assault in Hollywood before this era even began. As we tip our hats and salute the courageous women who have led such an impactful movement, we can’t let stories like Brendan Fraser’s fade in the background.

Justice for actors like Brendan Fraser needs to be served. The outcome of Fraser’s story further encourages sexual assault survivors to be silenced. We cannot let this be the final conclusion to Fraser’s narrative. It is our duty to not let stories like these be forgotten pieces of history. If we as a society will be moving forward in the #MeToo movement, we must say Time’s Up to the perpetrators who violated actors and actresses before the famed movement began. We must seek proper punishments to the perpetrators of the past, we must seek justice for the forgotten actor and actress, we must seek justice for Brendan Fraser.