Bryan Singer bows out of 'X-Men' publicity in light of allegations

One month ahead of the release of Twentieth Century Fox’s movie event of the summer X-Men: Days of Future Past, the film’s beleaguered director Bryan Singer has publicly dropped out of participating in the film’s publicity in what appears to be an attempt to keep the sexual abuse charges filed against him from overshadowing the box office success of the film.

The director issued a statement Thursday addressing the matter.

“The allegations against me are outrageous, vicious, and completely false,” he says.

“I do not want these fictitious claims to divert ANY attention from X-Men: Days of Future Past. This fantastic film is a labor 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 shake down it is. I want to thank fans, friends and family for all their amazing and overwhelming support.”

Michael F. Egan filed charges in Hawaii federal court against Singer on April 16, claiming Singer sexually assaulted him back in 1999 when he was 15-years-old. Separately, Egan filed similar charges against three other Hollywood insiders: Garth Ancier, David Neuman, and Gary Goddard.

Ancier’s attorney issued a statement disputing the charges: “All of the allegations made by the plaintiff against Garth Ancier are demonstrably untrue, and we are confident the courts will agree when the evidence is presented. As just one of many examples, Mr. Ancier has never even visited the estate in Hawaii where the plaintiff claims to have encountered him. Mr. Ancier is grateful to his friends, family and colleagues for their support.”

X-Men: Days of Future Past will open in the U.S. on May 23.