‘Hannibal’ creator Bryan Fuller accused of sexual assault and harassment

Bryan Fuller, the out creator of shows like Hannibal, Pushing Daisies, and American Gods, has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by a fellow producer of his Shudder docuseries Queer for Fear.

In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court Wednesday against Fuller, his production company Steakhaus Productions, AMC Networks, and Shudder, Sam Wineman, a director and producer on the series, alleges that executive producer Fuller “cultivated and maintained a hostile work environment as a result of harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and retaliation.”

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CBS told Variety Bryan Fuller “remains an executive producer, and will continue to map out the story arc.”

Wineman accuses Fuller of repeated sexual assault “in the guise of” cracking Wineman’s back. The suit also alleges that Fuller frequently referenced his penis, masturbation, and sexual dynamics and material that aroused him. Wineman also alleges that Fuller bullied him on set and behind closed doors, calling him names and asserting that he was “weak,” had “no charisma,” and was “drier than NPR.” Fuller allegedly retaliated against what he perceived as “rejection” from Wineman by “denying creative requests, sabotaging shots” and ignoring Wineman.

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Wineman claims that after he reported Fuller’s behavior to Shudder executives, he was fired from Queer for Fear, and his credits on the series were reduced when it aired.

According to Deadline, which first reported on the lawsuit, AMC is reviewing the complaint.

Fuller’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, described Wineman’s allegations as “100 percent probably false” and vowed to sue Wineman for defamation.

“There is documented evidence which completely disproves the allegations against Bryan Fuller,” Freedman told Deadline. “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.”

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