Kjersti Flaa (born 1973) is a Norwegian journalist and entertainment reporter. She is known for her work in Hollywood, particularly her interviews with high-profile celebrities.[1][2] Flaa gained significant public attention following a widely discussed interview with actresses Blake Lively and Parker Posey.[3] She has also been involved in a legal dispute with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization behind the Golden Globe Awards, over its membership practices, which had significant consequences for the HFPA and the broader entertainment industry.[4]
Early life and career
editFlaa was born in Norway in 1973.[citation needed] She began her career as a journalist, working primarily in New York before relocating to Los Angeles around 2015 to focus on entertainment reporting.[4] Flaa has written for Norwegian magazines and newspapers and has contributed to TV2’s "God Kveld Norge" ("Good Evening Norway").[4] Additionally, she runs a YouTube channel where she conducts celebrity interviews.[4]
HFPA lawsuit and its consequences
editIn August 2020, Flaa filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) after being denied membership on two occasions, in 2018 and 2019.[5] The lawsuit alleged that the HFPA operated as a "cartel," using its influence to monopolize entertainment journalism and exclude qualified journalists from joining the group.[5] Flaa claimed that certain members opposed her membership due to concerns that she would compete with them for access to Hollywood coverage in Scandinavian outlets.[5]
The lawsuit accused the HFPA of maintaining a culture of corruption and using its control over the Golden Globe Awards to maintain its power.[5] The HFPA denied these claims, describing the lawsuit as a "publicity stunt" and asserting that membership could not be obtained through intimidation.[5] The lawsuit brought attention to the HFPA's practices, which led to broader scrutiny of the organization.
One of the significant consequences of the lawsuit was the cancellation of the 2022 Golden Globes broadcast. The lawsuit and subsequent investigation by the Los Angeles Times highlighted issues within the HFPA, including its lack of diversity—most notably, the absence of Black members.[6] The controversy led to a Hollywood-wide boycott of the HFPA, with major studios cutting ties with the organization and NBC canceling the 2022 Golden Globes telecast. [6] The HFPA was compelled to implement a series of reforms, including adding new members and diversifying its ranks.[7]
In December 2022, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal district court’s decision to dismiss Flaa’s case, finding no evidence to support her claims of antitrust violations.[7] Despite the legal outcome, Flaa’s lawsuit had a lasting impact on the HFPA, prompting changes in its membership practices and increasing pressure for greater transparency and inclusivity within the organization.[7]
Blake Lively interview incident
editFlaa became widely known following a 2016 interview with actress Blake Lively and her co-star Parker Posey during the press tour for the film Café Society.[1] The interview resurfaced in 2024 when Flaa uploaded a clip to her YouTube channel, describing the encounter as "the most uncomfortable interview situation I have ever experienced."[1][2] During the interview, Flaa congratulated Lively on her pregnancy and "little bump", to which Lively responded with a sarcastic remark, saying "congrats on your little bump."[8] Flaa later revealed that the comment was particularly painful due to her struggles with infertility at the time.[9]
The interview also included a tense moment when Flaa asked the actresses about the film’s costumes, leading Lively to question whether male actors would be asked similar questions; the film in question being a period piece, Flaa responded that she would ask male actors the same question.[9] The incident sparked significant public discussion, with some criticizing Lively's behavior as dismissive.[10] Flaa mentioned that she would welcome an apology from Lively but expressed doubt that it would happen.[11]
Controversy Involving Kim Soo-hyun (Claudia Kim)
editIn November 2018, Flaa faced criticism after an interview with Korean actress Kim Soo-hyun, also known as Claudia Kim, during the press tour for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.[12] During the interview, Flaa asked Kim whether she had read the Harry Potter books in English when she was in middle school.[12] The question was perceived by some as racially insensitive.[12] Flaa issued public apologies, explaining that her question was based on curiosity and was not intended to be offensive.[12]
Personal life
editFlaa is originally from Norway and has since moved to California.[4] She has been involved in legal disputes with the HFPA, aiming to advocate for more inclusive and professional membership practices within the organization.[4] Flaa continues her work in entertainment journalism, maintaining a presence on her YouTube channel and in Norwegian media outlets.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Blake Lively Faces Backlash Over 'Uncomfortable' 2016 Interview, Source Blasts Journalist's 'Rude Statement' (Exclusive)". People Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b Crosbie, Eve. "Reporter from resurfaced Blake Lively interview says the actor's 'little bump' comment 'was like a bullet' as she was struggling with infertility". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ Writer, Sophie Hessekiel Contributing Entertainment (2024-08-14). "2016 Blake Lively interview resurfaces amid 'It Ends With Us' controversy". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g Maddaus, Gene (2020-08-04). "Norwegian Reporter on Her Fight With the Hollywood Foreign Press Association". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b c d e Desta, Yohana (2020-08-04). "New Lawsuit Compares Golden Globe Voting Body to a "Cartel"". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b Maddaus, Gene (2021-05-18). "HFPA Rejects $2.5 Million Settlement Offer From Norwegian Reporter". Variety. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b c "Dismissal of journalists' lawsuit against Golden Globes is upheld". Los Angeles Times. 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ "Blake Lively interviewer was struggling with infertility during 'traumatizing' junket". The Independent. 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b McGuigan, Molly (2024-08-16). "Reporter Reveals Why Blake Lively's 'Little Bump' Joke Was 'A Bullet'". Us Weekly. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ Gissen, Lillian (2024-08-16). "Reporter says Blake Lively's 'little bump' taunt 'felt like a bullet'". Mail Online. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ "Blake Lively interviewer would 'welcome' an apology after 'rude' chat goes viral". The Independent. 2024-08-17. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b c d "Norwegian reporter apologizes over 'racist' question for Korean actress". koreatimes. 2018-11-09. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
