Bohemian Rhapsody has been dropped from an LGBT awards ceremony because of sexual assault allegations against its director.
The GLAAD (pron: glad) Media Awards has removed its best original film nomination after a US report emerged about Bryan Singer.
He's called the story "a homophobic smear piece".
Earlier this week, American magazine 'The Atlantic' published an exposé detailing allegations from four men, who claim they were raped or molested by Bryan while they were underage.
The “Bohemian Rhapsody” director Bryan Singer has been trailed by accusations of sexual misconduct for 20 years. Here, his alleged victims tell their stories. @MisterAlexFren1 and @maxapotter report: https://t.co/PeKrnUEqRu
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) January 23, 2019
After the exposé started hitting headlines, GLAAD released a statement to Variety, in which they said.
“In light of the latest allegations against director Bryan Singer, GLAAD has made the difficult decision to remove Bohemian Rhapsody from contention for a GLAAD Media Award in the Outstanding Film – Wide Release category this year.”
“Singer’s response to The Atlantic story wrongfully used ‘homophobia’ to deflect from sexual assault allegations. And GLAAD urges the media and the industry at large to not gloss over the fact that survivors of sexual assault should be put first.”
The director has strongly denied the allegations.
Bryan Singer has responded to @TheAtlantic's story, which he calls a "homophobic smear piece": pic.twitter.com/7W6ftBZ7I2
— Adam B. Vary @ Sundance (@adambvary) January 23, 2019
Bryan’s lawyer told Rolling Stone, “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.”
