Bryan Singer might've been fired from the set of Bohemian Rhapsody, but that directing credit will still earn him over $40 million from the box office smash, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Singer, who has been accused by several men of sexual harassment, assault, and rape over the course of several decades, was fired from the FOX production with two weeks of filming left because of unexplained absences and tardiness.
The film has gone on to be an international hit, the highest-grossing LGBTQ film of all time (grossing $817 million), and has received several Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations.
With that success, Singer will get backend compensation amounting to over $40 million. According to THR, FOX is "exploring its legal options in terms of its financial obligations to Singer." The payment can be forfeited if a director is fired for a cause, but since he kept his directing credit, THR believes he will receive some kind of contingent compensation.
In light of the horrific accusations, Singer's payday is frustrating for those looking for him to be brought to justice. Can we separate art from the artist if the art's success still lines his pockets?