The film stars Malek has music icon Freddie Mercury, and he is a huge frontrunner to win Best Actor at next month’s Oscars. The film itself is nominated for Best Picture after winning the top honour at the Golden Globes – but unrest is continuing to grow amid continuing reports of allegations of abuse made against Singer (which he has denied). Yesterday GLAAD revoked its nomination for Best Original Film.
Speaking on Tuesday, just days before GLAAD made its announcement and in the immediate aftermath of his Oscars nod, Malek clarified that he had no knowledge of the claims made against Singer when he was making the film.
“As far as I knew, I was considered before Bryan was even attached,” he told the LA Times.
“So I had my head down preparing for this for about a year ahead of time, and I never really looked up.
“I didn’t know much about Bryan. I think that the allegations and things were, believe it or not, honestly something I was not aware of, and that is what it is.
“Who knows what happens with that… but I think somehow we found a way to persevere through everything that was thrown our way.”
He added: “Perhaps that was Freddie himself doing it, because we wanted to make a product that was worthy of him. Who knows?
“I’m just proud that this cast and crew collectively raised their game and we depended on one another.
“It was a testament to everyone’s spirit and courage and skill. And one thing I will say about everyone — almost everyone — we never gave up. How about that?”
On his own nod at the Academy Awards, he beamed: “It is huge. It is huge. This is the cream of the crop for what we do, and to get this acknowledgment from the academy, it’s one of the most momentous moments I think I’ll have in life.”
Malek is rumoured to be playing the villain in the next James Bond movie, but this is completely unconfirmed.
The Oscars will take place next month. Bohemian Rhapsody also has multiple nominations at the BAFTAs.
The movie is still playing in cinemas.