Advocacy group GLAAD has withdrawn Bohemian Rhapsody’s Best Picture nomination from its annual GLAAD Media Awards.
The ceremony is happening in April. The group took the action following new allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against the movie’s Director, Bryan Singer.
It’s not the first time that the director faces rumours and accusations of sexual misconduct. The Atlantic published an article this week bringing forth new allegations. Over the course of a year-long investigation, their reporters spoke to dozens of people.
Four victims came forward with new allegations. All said they had sexual relations with Singer while minors or were the victim of improper sexual conduct at his hands.
Singer has denied all the allegations or having any sexual preference for underage men.
The Director answered back at the Atlantic’s article. Singer said, “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.”
The GLAAD Media Awards honour LGBT+ successes in the media. The 30th annual awards ceremony takes place on April 12. GLAAD publishes its nominations later today at an event live streamed from the Sundance Film Festival. However, in a comment to Variety, the group said it had withdrawn Bohemian Rhapsody from the Best Picture category.
The recent allegations regarding Bryan Singer’s behavior are horrifying and MUST be taken seriously and investigated. pic.twitter.com/twqwbO2TJp
— TIME'S UP (@TIMESUPNOW) January 24, 2019
“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.
“This week’s story in The Atlantic documenting unspeakable harms endured by young men and teenage boys brought to light a reality that cannot be ignored or even tacitly rewarded.
“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” they group concluded.
At the moment, Singer is due to direct the movie Red Sonja for Millennium Films. His lawyer responded to The Atlantic’s article by stating Singer has never been arrested for or charged with any crime.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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