GLAAD Awards drop Bohemian Rhapsody over Bryan Singer sex abuse claims
Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. (Twentieth Century Fox)
The GLAAD Media Awards has pulled Bohemian Rhapsody from its nominees for best original film, after further allegations of sexual abuse made against director Bryan Singer.
The LGBT+ media charity confirmed to Variety that it has pulled Oscar-tipped Bohemian Rhapsody from its the shortlist of contenders for the accolade because it wants to stand in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse.
Four new accusations of sexual misconduct were made against Singer in an article published by The Atlantic for its March 2019 issue.
Bryan Singer denies sexual abuse claims
“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,” GLAAD told Variety in a statement.
“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.”
Bryan Singer has denied all allegations against him. (DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty)
On Wednesday (January 23), Singer, who is gay, denied the new sexual abuse claims, instead describing The Atlantic‘s reporting as a “homophobic smear piece.”
“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.”
—GLAAD
“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,” GLAAD’s statement continued.
Bohemian Rhapsody is up for five Oscars
Bohemian Rhapsody was nominated for five Oscars on Tuesday (January 22), including Best Picture, though Singer was not among the Best Director nominees.
Time’s Up, a campaign group formed following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, praised GLAAD for removing Bohemian Rhapsody from the award nominees.
“We are in the midst of a cultural reckoning,” it said in a statement to Variety.
“Though there was once a time when business as usual could continue amid credible allegations of sexual assault and violence, that era has ended forever.
“The recent allegations regarding Bryan Singer’s behaviour are horrifying and MUST be taken seriously and investigated.”
The Atlantic‘s article includes sexual misconduct claims made against Singer involving four teenagers, including a then-13-year-old boy.
