London - Bryan Singer has hit back at "sick and twisted" claims he sexually abused a 15-year-old boy.
The 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' director has broken his silence on a lawsuit filed last week by Michael F. Egan, 31, who claims he was forced to perform sex acts on the filmmaker at a Californian house party in the late 1990s after being plied with drugs and alcohol.
As a result of the allegations, Bryan, 48, has decided to bow out of the upcoming media tour to promote his blockbuster new 'X-Men' movie, which stars a string of A-listers including Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence and Halle Berry.
In a statement issued through his publicist, Bryan said: 'The allegations against me are outrageous, vicious and completely false.
"I do not want these fictitious claims to divert ANY attention from 'X-Men: Days of Future Past'. This fantastic film is a labour of love and one of the greatest experiences of my career. So, out of respect to all of the extraordinary contributions from the incredibly talented actors and crew involved, I've decided not to participate in the upcoming media events for the film."
As well as strenuously denying the sex abuse claims, Bryan believes the lawsuit filed in Hawaii by Michael is a "shake down" for money.
He added: "I promise when this situation is over, the facts will show this to be the sick twisted shake down it is. I want to thank fans, friends and family for all their amazing and overwhelming support."
In a lawsuit filed last week, Michael's attorney alleges the Hollywood director performed sex acts on the then teenager and forced him to do the same.
It's also claimed Bryan promised the young aspiring actor a movie role and regularly met Michael for sexual liaisons at the ages of 15 and 16, and they took multiple trips to Hawaii when he turned 17. - Bang Showbiz