Marvel Studios has released an official statement saying that “X-Men ’97” creator and head writer Beau DeMayo was fired from the series in March 2024 for “egregious” misconduct. The studio released the statement shortly after DeMayo posted on several social media accounts claiming he was no longer required to write credits for the show’s second season due to a gay pride post he shared on social media.
“Sir. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024 following an internal investigation,” the studio said in a statement. “Given the egregious nature of the findings, we immediately severed ties with him and he has no further ties to Marvel.”
A source with knowledge of the investigation said evidence of sexual misconduct was discovered and that DeMayo had repeatedly violated his termination agreement, leading to the removal of his season 2 credits.
On Thursday evening, DeMayo posted what appears to be an image of himself, shirtless and stylized as the mutant superhero Cyclops. “First off, I am so grateful to have worked on #XMen97 and collaborated with some incredibly talented people,” he wrote. “Creating this revival has been a dream come true and the support fans have shown has been so moving. However, I felt it was urgent for me to say something after leaving the show.
“Above is #XMen fan art that I posted on Instagram for Gay Pride in June,” he continued. “On June 13th, #Marvel sent a letter informing me that they had revoked my credits for Season 2 due to the post. Unfortunately, this is the latest part of a disturbing pattern I’ve been experiencing while working on #XMen97 and #Blade.”
Later Thursday evening, DeMayo posted a comment to Marvel’s statement on social media, with a link to this article: “The truth will be revealed. After their Disney Plus disaster, Marvel wants to mislead via tweets with alleged contract violations. It’s tragic that it has come to this, but not surprising. Stay tuned.”
DeMayo was fired in March 2024, ahead of the series premiere on Disney+. Before leaving, he had completed work on seasons 1 and 2 of the animated program. DeMayo also wrote about fellow Marvel and Disney+ series “Moon Knight”; furthermore, he was one of the screenwriters who worked on the studio’s feature film ‘Blade’, starring Mahershala Ali.
“X-Men ’97” debuted to some of the best reviews Marvel has received for its streaming programming, praising the animated series for its bold storytelling and complex characterizations. Speaking ahead of the premiere, executive producer and Marvel Animation chief Brad Winderbaum Variety that DeMayo “did an excellent job writing seasons 1 and 2, and I can’t wait for fans to see the series.”
The show was nominated by the Primetime Creative Emmy Awards for Best Animated Program; on August 12, DeMayo tweeted that the studio “has not been contacted to arrange my participation in the Emmys for the show I created.”
During the first season, DeMayo frequently posted lengthy statements to X about specific episodes and storylines. Before he was fired, he also had a non-explicit OnlyFans account under the username ‘Beaunlyfans’. Our magazine called DeMayo “the sexy, gay Marvel and showrunner to know” in 2022.
Variety has contacted DeMayo for further comment.