Rami Malek, the Oscar-nominated star of Bohemian Rhapsody, finally has spoken as to what it was like to work with director Bryan Singer, who has been accused of sexual abuse by a number of people.
Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Malek said: “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 Hollywood Reporter has said that Malek was visibly emotional after making the statement, and added: “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.”
Singer was fired from his position as director of Bohemian Rhapsody for not showing up to work rather than for allegations of abuse.
Speaking at the event, Malek also said that “everyone deserves a voice and anyone who wants to talk about what happened with Bryan deserves to have their voice heard.”
He continued: “My heart goes out to anyone who has to live through anything like what I’ve heard and what is out there.”
“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,” he said.
[irp posts=”4715″ name=”Rami Malek Got ‘Snubbed’ By Nicole Kidman During Golden Globes — Endnotes”]In a statement released to Deadline last month, Singer addressed the allegations:
“The last I posted about this subject, Esquire magazine was preparing to publish an article written by a homophobic journalist who has a bizarre obsession with me dating back to 1997. After careful fact-checking and, in consideration of the lack of credible sources, Esquire chose not to publish this piece of vendetta journalism.”
“That didn’t stop this writer from selling it to The Atlantic. It’s sad that The Atlantic would stoop to this low standard of journalistic integrity. Again, I am forced to reiterate that this story rehashes claims from bogus lawsuits … And it is no surprise that, with Bohemian Rhapsody being an award-winning hit, this homophobic smear piece has been conveniently timed to take advantage of its success.”
More photos of Rami Malek at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival below:
