Golden Globes accused of payola in lawsuit

A former publicist for the organization that runs the Golden Globes is alleging members of the group accept payola in return for award nominations.

Michael Russell filed a lawsuit against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association on Thursday, just three days before the annual awards gala.

Russell,a former publicist for the Golden Globes who was fired after last year's show, alsoclaims the association sells prime spots on the Golden Globes red carpet to lesser-known media outlets.

Italleges that members of the association "abuse their positions and engage in unethical and potentially unlawful deals and arrangements which amount to a 'payola' scheme."

He does not give specific examples to back up his allegations that members of the Globes organizing committee accept payola.

Ken Sunshine, whose company nowhandles the show's public relations, said the allegations were without merit.

"This is no more than the case of a disgruntled former consulting firm, whose contract was not renewed, attempting to take advantage once again of the Globes' international stage for their own gain," he said in a releaseFriday.

The Golden Globes show has long been criticized for its nominations, which lean more to popular favourites than critically acclaimed films. This year's acting nomineesincluded Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie for The Tourist, a film considered a major flop.

In the 1980s the Globes show lost its broadcast deal with CBS after it was accused of receiving favours in exchange for giving actress Pia Zadora a newcomer award.

Russell claims he played a role in restoring broadcast rights for the awards and restoring the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's reputation.

The awards, scheduled for Sunday night, are to be hosted by Ricky Gervais.