LOS ANGELES — A former publicist for the organization that runs the Golden Globes has sued the group on the eve of its glitzy awards show, claiming it engages in payola schemes for nominations and awards.

Michael Russell sued the Hollywood Foreign Press Association late Thursday, just three days before the Golden Globes are slated to air Sunday on NBC.

The lawsuit claims that many association members “abuse their positions and engage in unethical and potentially unlawful deals and arrangements which amount to a ‘payola’ scheme” that could be illegal and jeopardize the group’s tax-exempt status.

In addition, the suit alleges the association sells prime spots on the show’s red carpet to lesser-known media outlets.

The filing does not list any examples in which a studio or producer has paid for a Golden Globes nomination or award.

The complaint seeks $2 million and alleges breach of contract, defamation and fraud over the association’s firing of Russell and his partner after the awards show last year. The complaint states the pair were dismissed after a dispute with association President Philip Berk over a charity and advertising campaign with Chrysler.

A phone message and e-mail to Golden Globes publicist Michael Samonte was not immediately returned today. An e-mail to Globes publicist Keleigh Thomas was also not immediately returned.