The bio-pic “Bohemian Rhapsody” has been pulled from the GLAAD Media Awards nomination list in the wake of sexual assault and misconduct allegations against its director, Bryan Singer.
GLAAD made the decision after The Atlantic came out with a report on Singer’s victims.
Bohemian Rhapsody: The rise and fall
The movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” starring Rami Malek had earlier been selected as best original film nominee in the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards.
However, GLAAD said in a statement to Variety: “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,” GLAAD said.
Prior to their decision, GLAAD had recognized “Bohemian Rhapsody”for its depiction of gay icon Freddie Mercury, from his sexuality to his battle with AIDS.
“The team that worked so hard on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as well as the legacy of Freddie Mercury deserve so much more than to be tainted in this way,” GLAAD said.
Singer has denied any misconduct and said the Atlantic article was a “homophobic smear piece.”
“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 GLAAD statement said.
Singer’s denial, reaction to sexual allegations
Singer has said the allegations against him was due to homophobic news media.
“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,” Singer said in a statement.
He added: “After careful fact-checking and, in consideration of the lack of credible sources, Esquire chose not to publish this piece of vendetta journalism.”
Singer was fired from “Bohemian Rhapsody” before shooting wrapped up last December 2017 for reportedly fighting with Malek and for erratic set behavior.
Despite the allegations against Singer, producer Avi Lerner of the upcoming movie Red Sonja said he still wants to hire the director for $10 million.
Learner told Hollywood Reporter: “I know the difference between agenda driven fake news and reality, and I am very comfortable with this decision. In America people are innocent until proven otherwise.”
Other reactions to Bohemian Rhapsody
Time’s Up, a group formed in reaction to the downfall of Hollywood mover Harvey Weinstein, said they’ve committed legal support to Singer’s accusers. They also lauded the GLAAD decision.
In a statement, they said: “We are in the midst of a cultural reckoning. 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 behavior are horrifying and MUST be taken seriously and investigated,” they said.
Likewise, a movement on social media has been building, calling for the Oscars to remove “Bohemian Rhapsody” from film contention.
GLAAD said in their statement: “The industry cannot let those who perpetuate harms against anyone– especially vulnerable young people– go unnoticed or unchecked any longer.”