Why Reporting On Hollywood Abuse Stories Like Bryan Singer Is So Difficult

Atlantic's lengthy piece on director Bryan Singer is getting a lot of attention today and rightfully so. It's incredibly well-sourced, based on more than 50 interviews and it weaves together a lot of accusations, some of which had previously surfaced in places like the documentary "An Open Secret." 

But this story also illustrates how difficult it is to write about sexual or emotional abuse stories in Hollywood. Singer has faced these allegations before and has continued to get work on high-profile projects. In fact, the problems that he has had in Hollywood are more connected to his reported substance abuse problems than any outstanding sex abuse allegations.  

Singer's reaction to the story shows how challenging it can be to take on a powerful Hollywood figure. On Wednesday, Singer's representative released a statement describing the Atlantic investigation as a "homophobic hit piece." That argument is a powerful one and it's one that is hard to refute if you're not a publication like Atlantic that has a long reputation of publishing accurate and well-reported journalism.

It's important to note that Singer has used this "homophobic hit piece" charge previously, as Vulture reporter Mark Harris recounted in a Twitter thread he posted last December. It's an effective strategy and it forces the reporter into defending themselves against the charge of homophobia, rather than addressing the original allegations.

As was the case with Ronan Farrow's reporting on Harvey Weinstein, you're seeing a lot of entertainment reporters who have attempted to cover this story in the past mention how difficult it is to publish this type of story. And if you're not a reporter, those comments might sound like some weak justification for not getting the story first. But you're wrong.

Stories of abuse-whether sexual or otherwise-are incredibly difficult to get published. They require months of work and reporters who are able to gain the trust of people who have already been abused by Hollywood. You need a publication willing to endure push-back from powerful people and from the studios and networks who employ them. As well as a publication with a team of lawyers willing to stand-up to the inevitable legal challenges.

I've been working on a story about an abusive producer for months. I've talked to about 40 people and have what I think is a solid series of pieces ready to go. But as it became clear I was working on the story, a high-powered lawyer known for suing journalists threatened me with legal action if I published the story. So I've held onto it for several months while I continue to work on it. I've spent money I don't have on a lawyer to help me close off any potential trouble spots, but at the end of the day I'm not sure if I'll be able to publish it. At least not until a more powerful outlet breaks the story first and gives me some cover. 

So I admire this Atlantic piece on Bryan Singer because it's exceptionally good journalism. But also because it's scary to take on established Hollywood figures this way. Which is why a number of equally horrifying stories remain to be told.

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