LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) “Bohemian Rhapsody” has been removed as a best original film nominee at the GLAAD Media Awards in light of new allegations of alleged sex crimes against director Bryan Singer.
Singer has weathered years of allegations of recruiting underage boys for sexual contact, and even rape, but the attention increased recently with the release of an expose by The Atlantic where four new accusers came forward. GLAAD told Variety exclusively it has pulled the film from contention for the award after a “weighted decision” that takes a stand for sexual assault victims.
“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 in a statement to Variety.
“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 statement continued.
🙏@TIMESUPNOW ! This is the type of support we wanted from the industry back in 2015 when we released @AnOpenSecret. We hope more of your members will continue to pressure Hollywood to make child sexual abuse in the industry a focus for awareness & change 👊#TimesUp #AnOpenSecret https://t.co/CiM09ymM2S
— An Open Secret (@AnOpenSecret) January 25, 2019
Time’s Up, the group formed in light of Harvey Weinstein’s concerns, applauded the decision.
“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,” the group said in a statement.
GLAAD had previously celebrated the movie for its depiction of Freddie Mercury as a gay man and his battle with AIDS.
Singer has called the allegations a smear campaign.
Meanwhile, Queen guitarist Brian May has apologized for defending Singer.
