Disgraced film director Bryan Singer was just hit with a fresh wave of abuse accusations.
This time, it’s his former assistant, Blake Stuerman, who says the Bohemian Rhapsody director victimized and traumatized him while they were in a years-long relationship together in an essay published by Variety.
https://twitter.com/blakestuerman/status/1473072246302425096
Stuerman says that he was barely 18 when he first met Singer at a dinner in 2009, and that they quickly entered into a sexual relationship.
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Writes Steurman:
He asked whether I’d like to see Los Angeles. I had never been there, and he was offering to fly me with him on his plane. He told me I should work in film, that it’s what I’m “meant to do.” I felt he understood me; I always knew I was meant to tell stories. Bryan told me if I was serious about my future, I needed to move to Los Angeles. So I did. That’s when I learned he had a reputation for liking very young-looking men.
Everything seemed OK at first, Steurman says, but it didn’t take long before the relationship soured. Stuerman says he was required follow Singer everywhere he went and that the director threatened to “f*cking kill you if you leave me.”
As he became more erratic and under pressure during filming, I was his primary source of relief. Everything was my fault. If he didn’t get f*cked last night? It was my fault. If he pissed the bed from drinking too much? Somehow, it was my fault. If he stepped in a puddle, it was my fault. Sex between us had become much less frequent which, in hindsight, was likely adding to his behavior toward me.
https://twitter.com/SeanyDooWop/status/1473099474524274691
Over time, Stuerman says he started having panic attacks as a result from the mental and emotional abuse he suffered. One time, he became so distressed that he couldn’t stop hyperventilating and had to be taken by ambulance to the emergency room.
He would go out almost every night during production. I was expected to be right by his side. I didn’t know this wasn’t normal. When I asked him if it was OK if I stayed sober he said, “That’s not fun for me.”
The relationship finally ended in 2013, when Singer fired Stuerman during the making of X-Men: Days of Future Past after Stuerman accused him of being an alcoholic. Singer had a separation agreement drawn up then left Stuerman’s name out of the film’s credits.
I was told that I did all of this to myself and had no one else to blame. I was convinced that I’d fucked up and hadn’t worked hard enough. I thought I blew my one shot at getting to tell stories. All my self-worth was tied to what I did and who I knew. Now I was nothing.
Bryan Singer being a full-on supervillain while directing X-Men movies is not lost on me.
— MILKY WAY GHETTO ? (@JayJurden) December 20, 2021
Stuerman concludes the essay by writing that, as a result of everything, he suffered from PTSD and severe depression for years afterwards, writing: “I am a victim of abuse by a very powerful, very wealthy and very sick man. I am a victim of Bryan Singer.”
Variety spoke to 20 different people to corroborate Steurman’s claims. When asked for comment, Singer’s lawyer sent the publication a four-page letter to calling the report “uncorroborated, inflammatory, and highly defamatory” and accusing Stuerman of having “an axe to grind’ against Singer.”
Chrisk
Singer is a super creepy POS that likes em barely legal and sometimes not so legal. He gives them drugs and a dream lifestyle and then tosses them the minute something newer and younger comes along.
Can’t blame the kid for feeling like he was abused.
CatholicXXX
All of this was well known but people didn’t care until the whole me2 movement when woman started accusing men.
He used to live with Shawn Ashmore and his twin back when they were barely legal and featured Shawn Ashmore in his movies. I’m guessing that he was the twin that was willing to give up the goods more often than the other.
Ronbo
So Singer was a human and reacted to extreme pressure and stress? I’m so sad that I’m going to jump on the private jet and fly off to an exotic vacation paid for by my sugar daddy, too.
Who forced Stuerman to stay? Crocodile tears for the man with the million dollar closet. Now get a job.
kidco9
This is just how I feel about Sarah Ransome, the of age Epstein victim. Jeff gave her a free NY apt, car service, free food, now your crying on my TV, selling a book. Please.
Cam
As always, whenever there is a story about a rapist or Pedophile, the same old Republican troll comes in under it’s multiple screenames to defend the attackers.
Your troll game is sad and weak.
Aaron
@Ronbo @kidco9 <— Just two pedos blaming the young and gullible for enticing other pedos into abusing them.
Ronbo
Eighteen is the legal age and Singer asked to see his ID to confirm his age. If this is wrong, charge him. Charge my parents who got married at 18.
“Pedo”, isn’t that the name you called your mom when she told you to brush the teeth you want to keep? Smile my sweet, sweet pumpkin.
Chrisk
Ronbo
Wow. Miss the trees for the forest much? First off singer is a Ephebophile or 15-19. No one bats an eye over two young people dating. It is abusive because of the power he has over them.
Ronbo
Chrisick If you KNOW this, then charge him… or just stand by and be a part of it… either as pervert or liar.
Spotlight is on you!
Ronbo
//crickets//
@Chrisk did you report the crime yet or were you just repeating what you were told to think?
The lame “some people say” is FOX’s way of inserting false allegations into the conversation.
Ronbo
//crickets//
Ronbo
/crickets/
Fahd
The “chicken hawk” has ever been so. The ones who have position, power, and money always have been the worst. I guess privacy is now over, and there is no where to hide in the economically developed world, but some how, I don’t think they have disappeared.
I have sympathy for Stuerman, and he’s no doubt not the only young gay man who’s been used and discarded at a vulnerable age. There needs to be more support for young men in the process of coming out
Openminded
I’m not going to defend Singer’s possible bad behavior, but would Stuerman even been hanging on to his coat tail if not for Singer’s power and money. My point is, Singer’s not the only one at fault here. If he was a penniless nobody, I’m betting nobody would have been around to be abused. Once again, the slot machine didn’t pay off and the player wants to cry foul towards the rich casino.
CAM, go F*ck yourself before you copy and past your sad and tired troll story. Sorry I don’t have the same desire that you have for me. I just never got into the creepy mama’s baby/victim type.
Fahd
@openminded
It’s difficult to stay open-minded when one drinks beyond moderation. Also, I don’t think hiding insults to Cam in replies to my comments is going to spare you from his vigilance. I recommend you go to bed for now. You can do it, one day at a time.
Aaron
@Openminded <— Oh look, another ‘open minded’ pedo blaming victims for enabling their pedo abusers. “I mean… they were totally askin’ for it, right?” said the pedo sympathizer.
Openminded
@Fahd, No drinking here, just my thoughts on the subject. I’m not defending him at all, my point is the young ADULT made the choice to follow the promising man with power and money and it appears he made a bad choice. Singer should absolutely not be forgiven for mental or sexual abuses if he inflicted them, but a little blame lays at the victims feet also. There are 2- warnings that need to be pointed out with stories like these. 1. There ARE creeps out there who want to take advantage of you and 2. ADULTS are greatly responsible for keeping themselves away from these situations.
@Aaron, the victim himself states he was 18+ so no pedo activity here. Likely some other pedo situations but that would be another case.
Cam
If you see the picture of Stuerman when they started sleeping together, he looked like he was about 12. Singer would also take him out to restaurants and in public. So everyone knew about Singer for years.
Chrisk
Honestly I thought you were kind of exaggerating but if you look at the pics of them together he does look like a 12 yo.
The only limit singer has is nothing above 18.
ht tps://variety.com/2021/film/news/bryan-singer-blake-stuerman-1235136986/
Jaquelope
The majority of these relationships was an open secret in Hollywood, both then and now, but the studios tried to keep the general public from finding out the sordid details. The “casting couch” jokes were based on true events, and both males and females often had to spend their times on those couches.
jackscott
Singer certainly seemed to abuse his power & was able to get away with it for a long time. However, the guy in the article was of age. While he was still young, he should have realized parties, movie premiers, expensive dinners, etc. have a price tag. At some point people need to own their decisions. If he didn’t want to sleep with the guy he should have walked away or at least realized it after the first encounter. The guy stayed of his own free will, no judgement, do what you want. However, don’t complain later. In my opinion, there are more important things in life than begin around famous people.
drmiller
That’s the entire point stupid. The kid did NOT know better. You’re espousing adult thought patterns to a young, clueless boy, from no where who knew no one. That is the point. Coupled with the power dynamic, the whole thing is twisted. Yes he was legally of age, but all that does is legally protect Singer from child molestation. But look at his track record, he’s well known for predatory behavior for illegal, or barely legal, young boys. This dude’s story is one of hundreds.
mykelb
Neurologically, humans are not mature until age 24/25. People who abuse their power to indulge their worst selves deserve to have to pay up. I hope Stuerman sues for compensation.
Ronbo
If you actually know something, say something to the police. Please.
alexpof
still he stayed 4 years enjoying his money
mykelb
He stayed for 4 years trying to build a career. Unfortunately, powerful people like Singer can zap those dreams in the ass.
Joshooeerr
If you’re sensible, capable and have a modicum of self-respect you don’t build a career by sleeping with the boss! Also, as the other quotes point out, the word about Singer was all over town by the very early 2000s. Stuerman started working for him in 2009; a quick phone call or a chat to any of the other thousands of film PAs in the business would have instantly informed him of what he was in for, if he didn’t actually know it from day one. Which I’m willing to bet he did. The “kid” may have looked 12, as some say, but he was 18. “Just barely 18” doesn’t change the fact he was an adult, responsible for his own actions, and mature enough to decide whether he wanted to progress on his own merits or sleep his way to the top. He chose the latter. There’s little doubt that Singer is a giant piece of crap. But that doesn’t automatically make Stuerman and innocent victim.
cuteguy
How different is Bryan Singer from all these other straight predatory older directors in Hollywood? That’s why there’s a #MeToo movement currently happening
redzebra1
Easy. He has better connections to shield him from accountability. ‘It’s who you know, not what you know’ in Hollywood.
ptb2016
One of the worst things about Hollywood is it seems if you make money for the studios you can do what you want. Singer was a film maker I admired, but his behaviour disgusts me. Can’t bring myself to watch any of his movies ever again.
HavanIronOak
Make that “the worst things about the world.” This is not a new problem and it predates Hollywood by centuries. It’s just getting attention now. It’s good that people can now come forward and be believed. Yet, at the same time, “sugar babies” are not always the victims they claim to be.
On some level there’s always been a transactional aspect to age-gap relationships. stories of Antinous & Hadrian show that. It’s wisest to acknowledge it.
Stuerman was 18 when he entered into this relationship. It’s good that he can tell his story, and he may well have been victimized, but one does wonder just how much of this is “playing the victim card.” #MeToo stories do sell, but our attention to them is “victim porn” to some degree.
Dymension
Yikes, I think the children are trying to get some money…
cosmostephen
A lot of disgraceful and twisted comments here blaming the victim. If, at 18 years of age, I’d been flattered and pampered and groomed by a pedophile I wouldn’t have had the emotional wherewithal to quietly withdraw. We’ve seen how this works over and over. This is a classic case of abuse of a very young man by a much older and extremely wealthy Hollywood player. Abuse, plain and simple. Grind them down until they have no self esteem whatsoever. Shame on anyone who can’t find any sympathy in their hearts for this young man. Singer should be jailed.
drmiller
Thank you for this. absolutely agree.
HmphGay
“Singer should be jailed”…for WHAT exactly? Not being nice? for flaunting his money and privilege? At what point do you draw the line at accountability? raise age of consent? to what? 19? 21? 25? When does the constant free passes at poor life choices end?
emarell9
Thanks for this post. The coldhearted, accusatory slings and arrows aimed at this young man do seem way off. Instead one might find a little niche inside where protective feelings exist towards our young people – precise legalities aside.
dhmonarch89
HmpGay- the rumors don’t stop at 18/19- MANY people have said for years they’re multiple under 17… giving alcohol and drugs- even to 18/19 year old is illegal (21 age limit in US for alcohol- pot not legal back then and none of the other stuff has ever been)… allegedly, the stories are more like- if you give a 16 year old a roofie then get them drunk and rape them- that’s kind of illegal, doing that to an 18 year old, a 21 year old, a 30 year old is as well.
Ronbo
If you know something say something to the police, please. Just repeating rumors often hurts the community. Remember when Graham Gremore repeatedly pushed false rumors about out-politician, Alex Morese, killing his political career?
Walker
“A legendary theater and film actor swung by as the evening grew late. ”
Yet again, I wonder how it is that Sir Ian has remained untouched in the past few years. He associates with the worst of the worst and obviously has a thing for much younger men himself.
Clamzilla
At Sir Ian’s age EVERYBODY is much younger.
dhmonarch89
Kevin Spacey did a lot of theatre- could be him
Walker
I don’t think anyone would be afraid to just say “Kevin Spacey” at this point, do you? McKellen has been placed at multiple Bryan Singer parties and worked with him repeatedly. Spacey, not so much.
SDR94103
when you start a sentence with “honestly” or “to be honest” you’re usually full of crap.
Jaquelope
I guess you can’t argue with that. It’s the same as a recent politician who famously said, “Believe me…” on nearly everything he said, but everyone knew he was just spreading crap. (and he was not fertilizing an actual field crop, just a crop of sychophants).
dhmonarch89
He and all his enablers/minions- like DL Black, need to fall- HARD! Now.
Wheelerman
18 might be considered adulthood, but the brain isn’t fully developed until age 25. This kid had stars in his eyes. I believe his story. Bryan Singer is repeatedly reported to be a nasty human. Let Stuerman tell his story. It is one of glamor and terror. Good luck, Blake Stuerman.
M K
All was great for him until the gravy train dried up and he became yesterday’s birdcage paper liner. He had to know he was being enabled to get the “job” he had no experience for – unless he was giving it up in exchange.
He said he always wanted to tell stories… he has now told a big one.
MickeyMoose
Individuals who blame the victim are a special kind of sicko, literally. Only a pedophile would ever justify another’s pedophelia. Adults incapable of mature relationships with their equals, i.e., other adults, are stunted and damaged; if you’re not emotionally healthy, that only leaves one option—emotionally ill.
Ronbo
Who is the victim here? These are two adult men who got what they wanted and bargained for. One seems an azz, the other an apparent prostitute. Both participated willingly. The prostitute walked away with a lot more than when he started; the other lost dignity to his libido.
mlo88
When you’re over 18 you’re an adult that’s awfully young but it’s kind of tiring that people aren’t taking any personal responsibility for their actions. If these people weren’t seeking money I wouldn’t question their motives but it seems to always be about cashing in and that makes me question their character integrity etc.
Doug
Singer is another very wealthy, narcissistic pedophile who will continue to re-offend because he thinks he’s got way too much money to ever get convicted. This has been going on for years.
BaltoSteve
Lots of privileged folk in here have never suffered from physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, and it shows. Though I guess it could be because they were the abuser. But I digress. At 18 years old, Stuerman latched onto the first man who not only promised to lift him out of the life he was living, but also had the power to follow through with those promises. Those are not the actions of someone who has an absurd amount of self confidence, self love, or has all his shit together. He was broken and Singer saw and counted on that to be able to groom this young man. More often than not, they not only feel that it was their fault that these things happened, but it is what they deserve. Abusers count on this. And one other thing to consider. Singer’s predilection for barely legal boys may have been a well known “Secret.” People may have noticed him with these young men, you can bet that the abuse rarely happened where there were witnesses. That is SOP for all abusers. Present this image of a great guy to the world at large, but be an asshole behind closed doors. And you can bet that is other sins, when whispered about, were often covered up by those who have more power than he, because he was able to make them a shit ton of money.
Ronbo
Millions of LGBTQ kids have suffered. But these two aren’t kids, they were legal adults. If you actually know something, say something to the police, please.
moretruth
Yikes. That ain’t no bombshell -the story OR the washed up twink. Singer is a creep, for sure; however, this little gold digger got want he wanted out of it. And this really says it all “I always knew I was meant to tell stories.” Stories, tales, juicy gossip, blah, blah, blah.
Ronbo
Odd that the author and several persons making comments KNOW things but are not reporting them to the police. CALL the police and report what you KNOW.
Either they are contributing to crimes or they simply don’t KNOW what they insist that they do know. Rumors may or may not contain elements of truth, but their veracity is anyone’s guess—rumors carry no factual certainty. Rumors are also known as gossip, and the Bible has a lot to say about that. Scripture warns against spreading rumors and those who engage in gossip..