Bryan Singer denies sex abuse claims: X-Men director calls the allegations ‘outrageous, vicious and completely false’

The director and producer breaks his silence about the much-publicised allegations

(Getty)

X-Men director Bryan Singer has slammed claims that accuse him of abusing a 17-year-old – and encourages the public to still go and watch his latest film, X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Michael Egan filed a lawsuit last week alleging that Singer raped him and forced him to take cocaine in 1999, when the teenager was trying to carve a career in Hollywood.

“I do not want these fictitious claims to divert ANY attention from X-Men: Days of Future Past,” said Singer in a statement yesterday. “This fantastic film is a labour of love and one of the greatest experiences of my career. So, out of respect to all of the extraordinary contributions from the incredibly talented actors and crew involved, I've decided not to participate in the upcoming media events for the film. However, I promise when this situation is over, the facts will show this to be the sick twisted shakedown it is. I want to thank fans, friends and family for all their amazing and overwhelming support.”

This week, it emerged that cases have also been filed against three high-profile executives, David Neuman, Garth Ancier and Gary Goddard, by Egan’s lawyer, Jeff Herman – relating to a reported sex abuse ring taking place at an estate in Hawaii and also LA. All three individuals have strongly refuted the allegations.

Egan’s court documents claim that: “Defendant, Bryan Jay Singer manipulated his power, wealth, and position in the entertainment industry to sexually abuse and exploit the underage Plaintiff through the use of drugs, alcohol, threats, and inducements which resulted in Plaintiff suffering catastrophic psychological and emotional injuries.

“Defendant Singer did so as part of a group of adult males similarly positioned in the entertainment industry that maintained and exploited boys in a sordid sex ring. A Hollywood mogul must not use his position to sexually exploit underage actors."

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