Bryan Singer Responds To Atlantic Report: “Homophobic Smear Piece Timed To Take Advantage Of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Success”

Director Bryan Singer has responded to an exposé report published by The Atlantic this morning, which includes multiple allegations that the filmmaker had sex with underage boys and one from a man who says he was fondled at age 13 by Singer on a film set.

In a message sent to us by a representative, the director said, “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,” continued the statement. “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 magazine says it spent 12 months investigating allegations against the Bohemian Rhapsody and X-Men director, speaking to “more than 50 sources.” Those interviewed told The Atlantic the experiences left them “psychologically damaged, with substance-abuse problems, depression, and PTSD.”

Singer was fired two weeks before the end of production on Oscar-nominee Bohemian Rhapsody in December 2017. He remains the credited director, but was not nominated, and was conspicuously absent from winners’ speeches at the Golden Globes.

Cesar Sanchez-Guzman sued the filmmaker in 2017, claiming Singer raped him on a yacht in 2003. Singer has denied the allegation, and the case is pending.