'Bohemian Rhapsody' loses award nomination over Bryan Singer allegations

Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody has been removed as one of the Outstanding Film nominees at the forthcoming GLAAD awards, the leading media organisation for the LGBT community.

The watchdog told Variety that it did so in solidarity with sexual assault victims, following new allegations of rape and molestation levelled at the film’s director Bryan Singer.

Four men came forward in an interview with The Atlantic this week, alleging Singer molested them while they were underage.

Singer has consistently denied misconduct and called the report ‘a homophobic smear’.

But speaking to Variety, GLAAD said: “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.

“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 team that worked so hard on Bohemian Rhapsody as well as the legacy of Freddie Mercury deserve so much more than to be tainted in this way.

“Bohemian Rhapsody brought the story of LGBTQ icon Freddie 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.”

It comes after news that Singer is to keep his job on the forthcoming remake of fantasy action movie Red Sonia.

The movie’s producer Avi Lerner told The Wrap: “I continue to be in development for RED SOJNA [sic] and Bryan Singer continues to be attached.

“The over $800 million BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY has grossed, making it the highest grossing drama in film history, is testament to his remarkable vision and acumen. I know the difference between agenda driven fake news and reality, and I am very comfortable with this decision. In America people are innocent until proven guilty.”

Bohemian Rhapsody is not the highest-grossing drama movie in film history, however, it is the highest-grossing rock biopic.

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