'X-Men '97' Controversy: Marvel Claims 'Egregious' Investigation Findings Led to Creator’s Firing

Marvel issued a statement in response to claims made by Beau DeMayo, the creator of the critically acclaimed X-Men '97 series who was fired earlier this year.

DeMayo was fired back in March, and the reason for his termination remained unclear at the time. This concerned fans, who couldn't ignore the unfortunate timing of this development, as the show debuted on Disney+ mere days after DeMayo was fired. Now a spokesperson for Marvel is saying the events followed the "egregious nature" of findings from an internal investigation.

In addition to creating the series, DeMayo is also credited with writing the majority of episodes from the animated series’ first season and is said to have already finished his writing work for a second season. His past credits also include Moon Knight and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

On Thursday, DeMayo said in an Instagram update that his credits had been removed from the show’s upcoming second season. In response, he "felt it pressing" for him to speak out. He also directed followers to a piece of fan art he says he posted "for Gay Pride in June."

DeMayo further alleged that he received a letter from Disney on June 13, in which he was told his Season 2 credits had been "stripped" in connection with the post in question.

Not long after, as first made public by the Hollywood Reporter, a Marvel spokesperson pushed back, alleging that the "egregious nature" of an internal investigation’s findings led to DeMayo’s firing.

"Mr. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024 following an internal investigation," a rep said, per Aaron Couch and Borys Kit. "Given the egregious nature of the findings, we severed ties with him immediately, and he has no further affiliation with Marvel."

DeMayo later accused Marvel of attempting to "mislead" by citing "alleged contract breaches over tweets." He also suggested that more would be said soon, telling fans, "the truth will be revealed."