X-Men Director Bryan Singer Denies Sexual Abuse Claims

2 minute read
By Eliana Dockterman

After days of silence, director Bryan Singer denied Thursday allegations that he sexually assaulted a teenage boy, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Singer was accused in court papers filed April 16 of sexually abusing a teenage boy between the years of 1998 and 1999 in California and Hawaii. The plaintiff, Michael F. Egan III, claims the director coerced him into sexual acts by promising him a part in a Marvel Comics’ X-Men films.

Singer, whose newest movie, X-Men: Days of Future Past, hits theater on May 23, released the following statement:

The allegations against me are outrageous, vicious and completely false.

I do not want these fictitious claims to divert ANY attention from X-Men: Days of Future Past. This fantastic film is a labor of love and one of the greatest experiences of my career. So, out of respect to all of the extraordinary contributions from the incredibly talented actors and crew involved, I’ve decided not to participate in the upcoming media events for the film. However, I promise when this situation is over, the facts will show this to be the sick twisted shake down it is. I want to thank fans, friends and family for all their amazing and overwhelming support.

Singer’s lawyer denied the claims when they were first filed. “It is obvious that this case was filed in an attempt to get publicity at the time when Bryan’s new movie is about to open in a few weeks,” said Singer’s attorney.

[THR]

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Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com