UPDATE Singer issued a statement saying he was treating an ill parent and that they wouldn’t give him time off. Doesn’t sound right since Singer had made millions for Fox with “X Men” movies. Something else is going on. Here’s his statement:

“With fewer than three weeks to shoot remaining, I asked Fox for some time off so I could return to the U.S. to deal with pressing health matters concerning one of my parents. This was a very taxing experience, which ultimately took a serious toll on my own health. Unfortunately, the studio was unwilling to accommodate me and terminated my services. This was not my decision and it was beyond my control,” Singer said in the statement. “Rumors that my unexpected departure from the film was sparked by a dispute I had with Rami Malek are not true. While, at times, we did have creative differences on set, Rami and I successfully put those differences behind us and continued to work on the film together until just prior to Thanksgiving. I wanted nothing more than to be able to finish this project and help honor the legacy of Freddie Mercury and Queen, but Fox would not permit me to do so because I needed to temporarily put my health, and the health of my loved ones, first.”



EARLIER Where oh where is Bryan Singer? Is he trolling junior high schools for pals? He’s certainly not in London directing “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Fox film about Freddie Mercury and Queen.

No, Singer has gone AWOL and Fox has fired him. That’s it. Two weeks before finish, Singer– who has still not shown up with an explanation — is out. His cinematographer, Thomas Newton Sigel, has been filling in for him.

Singer– who’s made plenty of movies– is telling someone that he has PTSD from the stress of shooting a movie about rockers and fat bottomed ladies. My guess is he’s given the people on set PTSD.

The word around town is that one of the major publications– Times, Post, Variety, etc– is about to spring a big story about Singer’s sexual malfeasance. He’s been the subject of lawsuits and stories in the past.

For Fox to fire him is a big deal since Singer is closely associated with their “X Men” movies. But enough’s enough. Someone will replace him immediately. The Directors Guild will have to come in and see what’s going on and who gets final credit.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” stars Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury and Anthony Scaramucci– no just kidding.