Director Bryan Singer Addressing Sexual Assault Claims In Self-Financed Documentary—Years After Allegations Emerged

Topline

Once-acclaimed director Bryan Singer is developing a documentary film that will address allegations about his own sexual misconduct, according to multiple reports—an attempt at rehabilitating his image that follows years of quiet from the X-Men and The Usual Suspects director.

Key Facts

Key Background

The sexual misconduct allegations surrounding Singer date back more than 20 years, but it was not until 2017 that his alleged behavior caught up with his professional career. Late that year, the director was fired from the production of Bohemian Rhapsody after reports of absences and conflicts with cast and crew. Just days after his firing, Singer was sued by Cesar Sanchez-Guzman, a man who accused the director of raping him while he was underage in 2003. Singer agreed to a $150,000 settlement to end the lawsuit in 2019. Bad Hat Harry, Singer’s production company, was promptly shut down and eventually vacated offices located at 20th Century Fox’s lot. The turbulence around Singer’s professional and moral standing came not long after the #MeToo movement—a sexual abuse awareness campaign—gained significant momentum in 2017. Around the same time, disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein faced a litany of sexual harassment and assault allegations—later resulting in multiple rape and sexual assault convictions.

Big Number

More than $3 billion. That’s how much money Singer’s movies have netted at the box office.

Further Reading

Bryan Singer Self-Financing New Documentary to Address Sexual Assault Claims (Variety)

Bryan Singer’s Accusers Speak Out (The Atlantic)