Golden Globe favoritism allegations denied

HOLLYWOOD, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A spokesman for the Golden Globe awards denied allegations the event has become a virtual payola scheme by members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

A statement issued by the show said the allegations made in a lawsuit filed this week by former Globes consultant Michael Russell 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 Globe's international stage for their own gain," the statement said.

The lawsuit accused some members of the association of "abuse their positions" by basically trading their votes for the Globes for deals that could jeopardize the group's tax-exempt status. The Daily Telegraph said Saturday that no specific instances were cited, however it noted this year's acting nominations for Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie for "The Tourist" have been questioned by some critics.

NBC, which will televise the Golden Globes on Sunday, had no immediate comment, the British newspaper said.