Producer and showrunner Bryan Fuller, renowned for his work on series such as Hannibal and American Gods, has found himself embroiled in a legal battle. He has been sued for alleged sexual assault and harassment in a lawsuit that points fingers at AMC Networks, Shudder, and Steakhaus Productions for their alleged complicity in fostering a hostile work environment during the production of Queer for Fear.
In the lawsuit filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Samuel Wineman, a series producer for Queer for Fear, took legal action against the producers of the Shudder original (via The Hollywood Reporter). Wineman claims that they were fully aware of "Fuller's acts of and propensity to commit acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation," yet they "failed to take immediate and appropriate corrective action."
Queer for Fear was a docuseries exploring the relationship between queer audiences and the horror genre. Wineman alleges that he was unfairly terminated by Fuller, who was an executive producer of the show, and that Fuller allegedly diminished Wineman's credits on the series as a form of retaliation, as per the complaint.
The lawsuit has prompted responses from the involved parties. An AMC spokesperson has stated that the company is currently reviewing the complaint, while there has been no immediate response from Fuller, Shudder, or Steakhaus Productions.
The lawsuit further claims that Fuller sexually assaulted Wineman "several times" in 2021 during the production of the series. Fuller purportedly used the guise of cracking Wineman's back to engage in inappropriate behavior, as the lawsuit states, "pressed his penis against plaintiff's buttocks" and maintained it there, making Wineman feel it through the fabric of his pants.
Moreover, the lawsuit delves into the alleged obsession Fuller had with matters related to masturbation. It alleges that Fuller frequently discussed his own genitals, from mentioning reading materials that caused him to become aroused to actors he had explicit thoughts about, and even scenarios involving adult-child dynamics that he found stimulating.
The hostile work environment described in the lawsuit extended beyond sexual misconduct. It encompassed "relentless verbal harassment and casual bullying," with Fuller allegedly subjecting Wineman to berating that sometimes led to tears. Fuller is also accused of sabotaging shots, heckling interviewees, and ignoring Wineman for extended periods. The complaint also notes that Fuller made discriminatory comments targeting various groups, including gay men, a group to which Wineman belongs.
The lawsuit brings forth a range of allegations, including quid pro quo sexual harassment, retaliation, harassment, hostile work environment, and negligent hiring, among other claims.
On the other hand, Fuller's attorney Bryan Freedman has issued a statement to Deadline that reads:
“Make no mistake, Sam Wineman will be sued for defamation based on what are 100 percent probably false statements. There is documented evidence which completely disproves the allegations against Bryan Fuller. Wineman created this fictitious story long after his gross incompetence necessitated his removal in an effort to extort AMC, Shudder, Steakhaus, and Bryan Fuller. He never raised any allegation of wrongdoing prior to his removal because he knew that this was absolute garbage. Sam Wineman just made the biggest mistake of his life and once the evidence comes out, he will forever be known as a pathological liar. Rest assured; a malicious prosecution lawsuit aimed directly at him is coming soon.”
This story is still developing...
