Bryan Singer’s Former Assistant Alleges Shocking Abuse – ‘I’ll F***ing Kill You If You Leave Me’
Bryan Singer is the filmmaker behind big films such as The Usual Suspects, X-Men, and Superman Returns. However, he mostly dropped from the public eye after several sexual-based lawsuits and allegations mounted over the years. Former assistant Blake Stuerman recently stepped forward with his story of their “traumatizing” relationship and Singer’s alleged emotional abuse.
Bryan Singer sexual assault allegations
The first allegation against Singer was from a 14-year-old extra on Apt Pupil alleging that the filmmaker requested a nude shower scene for his personal satisfaction. However, the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Singer continued to work in the industry, despite rampant rumors circulating regarding his concerning behavior.
2014, 2017, and 2019 allegations followed, which assert that Singer sexually assaulted underaged boys. In the 2014 allegation, the accuser also inculpated the filmmaker of both drugging and raping him. However, Singer defended himself and denied any association or abuse regarding his accusers. The filmmaker settled the particular lawsuit in 2019 for $150,000.
Blake Stuerman steps forward with his story
Stuerman recently stood up via Variety to tell his story about what he calls his “traumatizing” relationship with Singer. They first met in 2009 in New York City. Stuerman was 18 years old and Singer was 43 years old, as they soon entered a sexual relationship. He was encouraged to drink alcohol under the age of 21 and convinced him to move to Los Angeles to pivot from working in television to film.
Stuerman soon had access to some incredible opportunities under Singer’s wing, but there were sexual expectations in return. The accuser said that Singer would respond with any resistance with, “Why would I throw my future away? If I wanted to leave I was welcome to, but I wouldn’t be allowed back.”
A 2012 party at Singer’s house escalated things, as Stuerman asserts that he witnessed the filmmaker assault one of the guests. Stuerman tried to calm him down, to which Singer responded, “I’ll f***ing kill you if you leave me.” Bryan wouldn’t allow the accuser to see other people without his approval.
The situation came to a head with X-Men: Days of Future Past‘s production in 2013. Stuerman felt Singer’s blame in all situations, as his behavior became increasingly aggressive. The accuser called Singer an alcoholic. As a result, the filmmaker responded, “I know I’m a f***ing alcoholic! You just f***ed up, man. You just f***ed up so bad. GET THE F*** OUT!”
A member of the production offered Stuerman more money to cope. He stayed a while longer after Singer’s abuse calmed down, although the conditions returned back to normal. Singer dangled his power and wealth in front of Stuerman to keep him loyal, although he decided to leave. He didn’t receive a film credit for X-Men: Days of Future Past. Stuerman was told to not come forward with his story, but he finally feels that he’s ready to do so. You can read his complete letter over at Variety.
Where is Bryan Singer now?
Singer’s lawyer Andrew Brettler told Variety that Stuerman’s abuse allegations are “uncorroborated, inflammatory, and highly defamatory.” However, he didn’t dispute many facts of the story. Some moviegoers wonder where Singer is now. The last time he was in the spotlight, Singer was fired from Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody before its completion.
But, as Stuerman wrote to Variety, Singer doesn’t need to work. “While it’s unlikely Bryan will ever get to make another movie, he will be just fine,” Stuerman wrote. “He has more money than he knows what to do with.”
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
