‘X-Men ’97’ Creator Claims Marvel “Stripped” S2 Credit, Studio Cites “Egregious” Misconduct

Beau DeMayo’s battle with Marvel continues, as this week the X-Men ’97 creator’s claim that he was stripped of his writing credit for his completed work on Season 2 due to a gay pride post on social media was met with a strong if unspecific statement from the Disney-owned studio. The Moon Knight and Blade reboot writer was dismissed in March.

On the evening of Thursday, August 15, DeMayo posted a screenshot of the pride post in question (a shirtless self portrait as X-Men character Cyclops), writing:

“Firstly, I’m so grateful to have worked on #XMen97, collaborating with some amazingly talented folks,” he wrote. “Creating this revival was a dream come true and the support fans have shown is so touching. However, I felt it pressing for me to speak up in the wake of leaving the show.”

“Above is #XMen fan-art I posted on Instagram for Gay Pride in June. On June 13, #Marvel sent a letter notifying me that they’d stripped my Season 2 credits due to the post. Sadly, this is the latest in a troubling pattern I suffered through while on working on #XMen97 and #Blade.”

“I’ll have more to say soon but must take a step back from social media to find a safer space for me to be out, proud, and nerdy. Stay tuned.”

Marvel quickly issued a response, saying, “Mr. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024 following an internal investigation. Given the egregious nature of the findings, we severed ties with him immediately and he has no further affiliation with Marvel.” A source has told Variety that the investigation uncovered evidence of sexual misconduct which led to the firing, and that DeMayo had violated his termination agreement which led to the removal of his S2 credit.

That same night, DeMayo countered: “The truth will be revealed. After their Disney Plus disaster, Marvel wants to mislead with alleged contract breaches over tweets. It’s tragic it’s come to this but unsurprising. Stay tuned.”

The ousted series creator also aired that he was waiting for Marvel to get in touch about arrangements to attend the Emmy Awards, where DeMayo is listed on the Outstanding Animated Program nomination for X-Men ’97 episode “Remember It.”

Inspired by the fan favorite 1990s X-Men cartoon, X-Men ’97 has received broad acclaim, earning the animated series Marvel’s first perfect 100 on Rotten Tomatoes. The second season was teased during Marvel’s D23 presentation, and Matthew Chauncey (What If…?, Ms. Marvel, 3Below: Tales of Arcadia) has been announced as the writer for Season 3.

Firstly, I’m so grateful to have worked on #XMen97, collaborating with some amazingly talented folks. Creating this revival was a dream come true and the support fans have shown is so touching. However, I felt it pressing for me to speak up in the wake of leaving the show… pic.twitter.com/kbOTL3IQJj

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) August 16, 2024

[Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety]