Rami Malek speaks up on working with Bryan Singer amid misconduct allegations

Actor Rami Malek has addressed working with director Bryan Singer following the controversy resulting from Singer’s being removed from “Bohemian Rhapsody” and figuring in sexual misconduct allegations.

Rami Malek arrives at the 76th annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California.  Image: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Prior to the interview, cast and crew involved in the biopic had avoided discussing the topic of Singer.

Malek, who has received a Best Lead Actor Oscar nomination for his role as Freddie Mercury, told the Los Angeles Times Tuesday, Jan. 22, that he did not know of Singer’s misconduct allegations while working with him.

“As far as I knew, I was considered before Bryan was even attached. So I had my head down preparing for this for about a year ahead of time, and I never really looked up. I didn’t know much about Bryan,” he said.

“I think that the allegations and things were, believe it or not, honestly something I was not aware of, and that is what it is.”

In an exposé by The Atlantic published yesterday, Jan. 23, Singer is accused of sexually assaulting male minors. Prior to the article, he had been accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old in 2003. 

Singer’s failure to fulfill his directorial duties also drew controversy on the set of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He was removed from the film with reports stating that the cast had complained of his behavior. 

Of this, Malek was asked about fans’ conflicted feelings of Singer’s involvement.

“I think they can understand that Bryan Singer was fired from the film. And that can be something that they can look at from a perspective of understanding why they can appreciate the film,” he said.

Malek also gave credit to director Dexter Fletcher “who is a tremendous talent and came on when we really needed someone to see this through, and did an extraordinary amount of work as well.”

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, but directing credit remains with Singer due to Directors Guild of America rules.  Niña V. Guno /ra

RELATED STORIES:

Bryan Singer takes credit for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Golden Globes win despite being fired from movie

Alfonso Cuaron, Willem Dafoe, Spike Lee react to their Oscar nominations