Bohemian Rhapsody has been a box office juggernaut and, even more surprising, an awards darling. Despite a middling 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, the Queen biopic took home multiple Golden Globes, including Best Picture (Drama), and scored five Oscar nominations. It’s done this at the same time disturbing allegations have been made against its credited director, Bryan Singer.
Throughout its release and for much of award season, star Rami Malek has remained quiet on the claims of sexual misconduct against Singer, some involving minors. He didn’t even mention his name in his Golden Globe speech. But Malek broke that silence Friday.
In a moderated conversation with The Hollywood Reporter at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre, the Mr. Robot alum opened up about the claims.
“My heart goes out to anyone who has to live through anything like what I’ve heard and what is out there,” Malek told the audience. “It’s awful, it’s remarkable that this happens, I can appreciate so much what they’ve been through and how difficult this must be for them. In the light of the #MeToo era that this somehow seems to exist after that, it’s a horrible thing.”
Malek then added his support to those who’ve come out with allegations. “I’ve sat here and talked about how everyone deserves a voice and anyone who wants to talk about what happened with Bryan deserves to have their voice heard,” Malek said. He then described his own experience with Singer, though he didn’t go into details. “In my situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all. And that’s about what I can say about it at this point.”
The actor also reminded them that Singer didn’t complete the film. In fact, he was fired — not because of any allegations, but because he was often absent from the set. “For anyone who is seeking any solace in all of this, Bryan Singer was fired. Bryan Singer was fired, I don’t think that was something anyone saw coming but I think that had to happen and it did,” Malek said.
Singer was replaced by actor-director Dexter Fletcher, who then went on to helm the forthcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman. As per DGA rules, Singer still received sole directorial credit.
Singer has roundly denied the allegations, including new claims detailed in a recent article published by The Atlantic. He will apparently keep his upcoming gig directing the reboot of Red Sonja — news that was not taken lightly online.
(Via THR)
