UPDATED: You can read a new statement (Bottom) from the report’s writers, responding to the allegations made by Bryan Singer.
Today’s not a great day for director Bryan Singer. After the joy of seeing his latest film “Bohemian Rhapsody” earn Oscar nominations yesterday, the filmmaker was hit hard this morning by a new report with new claims of sexual assault and sexual misconduct with underage boys. And now, the director is fighting back, as the star of ‘Rhapsody’ is distancing himself from all the controversy.
READ MORE: Bryan Singer Accused Of Sexual Misconduct By 4 More Men Who Were Underage At The Time
Before we get to Singer’s response to the allegations, we should talk about actor Rami Malek. The lead in “Bohemian Rhapsody” has been at the forefront of the Best Actor discussion for most of the awards season. And now, Malek has to answer the tough questions, in light of the recent SInger revelations. His response? Ignorance is bliss, apparently.
“As far as I knew, I was considered before Bryan was even attached. So I had my head down preparing for this for about a year ahead of time, and I never really looked up. I didn’t know much about Bryan,” said Malek in an interview with the LA Times. “I think that the allegations and things were, believe it or not, honestly something I was not aware of, and that is what it is. Who knows what happens with that … but I think somehow we found a way to persevere through everything that was thrown our way.”
He continued, “Perhaps that was Freddie himself doing it, because we wanted to make a product that was worthy of him. Who knows? I’m just proud that this cast and crew collectively raised their game and we depended on one another. It was a testament to everyone’s spirit and courage and skill. And one thing I will say about everyone — almost everyone — we never gave up. How about that?”
Obviously, we can’t read minds and we don’t know if what Malek said is 100% true or not, but it’s odd that the actor didn’t do the least bit of Googling before entering in the project. The allegations surrounding Bryan Singer date back years, well before “Bohemian Rhapsody” would have been beginning production. Alas, we have to take Malek at his word.
Another person that would like us to take him at his word is Singer himself. The filmmaker has already responded to the aforementioned new, shocking report. And as was to be expected, Singer is once again defiant and steadfast in his denial.
Bryan Singer’s statement reads (via Deadline):
“The last time I posted about this subject, Esquire magazine was preparing to publish an article written by a homophobic journalist who has a bizarre obsession with me dating back to 1997. After careful fact-checking and, in consideration of the lack of credible sources, Esquire chose not to publish this piece of vendetta journalism. That didn’t stop this writer from selling it to The Atlantic. It’s sad that The Atlantic would stoop to this low standard of journalistic integrity. Again, I am forced to reiterate that this story rehashes claims from bogus lawsuits filed by a disreputable cast of individuals willing to lie for money or attention. And it is no surprise that, with ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ being an award-winning hit, this homophobic smear piece has been conveniently timed to take advantage of its success.”
As mentioned in our previous report, these allegations (up until now) have not resulted in any noticeable career ramifications. He was reportedly fired from “Bohemian Rhapsody” do to his erratic onset behavior, and even in light of these allegations, Singer has recently signed on to direct “Red Sonja” and will collect a $10 million payday.
Here’s the statement from the writers of the piece in question:
Statement from reporters Maximillian Potter and Alex French on investigation of Bryan Singer published in @TheAtlantic: pic.twitter.com/iouvNZGQtz
— The Atlantic Communications (@TheAtlanticPR) January 23, 2019