The GLAAD Media Awards have removed “Bohemian Rhapsody” from contention for its outstanding film prize in light of the new sexual misconduct accusations surrounding fired director Bryan Singer, an individual with knowledge told TheWrap.
Nominations were to be announced tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET from the Sundance Film Festival for the 30th annual awards.
“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 said 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.”
Singer is accused by five men of either seducing them or rape when they were underage boys in a piece published Wednesday by The Atlantic. Singer said in a statement that the article was a “homophobic smear piece.” Fox did not have a statement. A representative for Singer did not immediately return a request for comment.
“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 continued. “The team that worked so hard on ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ as well as the legacy of Freddy [sic] Mercury deserve so much more than to be tainted in this way. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ brought the story of LGBTQ icon Freddy [sic] Mercury to audiences around the world, many of whom never saw an out and proud lead character in a film or saw the impact of HIV and AIDS in fair and accurate ways. The impact of the film is undeniable. We believe, however, that we must send a clear and unequivocal message to LGBTQ youth and all survivors of sexual assault that GLAAD and our community will stand with survivors and will not be silent when it comes to protecting them from those who would do them harm.”
GLAAD added that other films that involve Singer, now or in the future, should take note of the accusations presented in The Atlantic story. “The industry cannot let those who perpetuate harms against anyone – especially vulnerable young people – go unnoticed or unchecked any longer,” the organization said.
Time’s Up also issued a statement condemning Singer’s comments via Twitter. Read it below.
Variety was first to report.
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