Shocking Allegations: Marvel Exec Implicated in Scandal Over X-Men ’97 Showrunner’s Claims!

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Is it possible that Brad Winderbaum, a key figure at Marvel, could find himself embroiled in a significant controversy related to alleged misbehavior and reprisals?

For approximately a year now, the creator and showrunner of X-Men ’97, Beau DeMayo, has been making serious accusations against Marvel Studios. He claims that certain, unidentified producers have taken revenge on him following his report of misconduct involving a high-ranking Marvel executive and a production assistant.

In a since-removed social media post, DeMayo has publicly acknowledged what many industry insiders had long suspected: the key figure at the heart of it all, as revealed by DeMayo, was none other than Brad Winderbaum, who holds the position of Marvel’s Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation.

The Original Allegations

After my unexpected dismissal from X-Men ’97, I took to public posts to voice my concerns about the leadership at Marvel Studios. I accused them of allowing and even fostering a hostile work environment. Specifically, I reported a concerning sexual relationship between a lead actor and a production assistant that I believed was exploitative. Unfortunately, instead of investigating this matter, a senior producer chose to conceal it – not only burying the report but also tipping off the accused party. This individual then apparently worked covertly to undermine my credibility within the studio.

In simpler terms, DeMayo stated in February 2025 that it’s inappropriate for a producer to ignore his report about one of their leads possibly having an exploitative sexual relationship with a Production Assistant (PA). Instead, the producer might choose to conceal his report and inform the individual involved, letting them know that DeMayo had reported them. This gives them the opportunity to collaborate and discredit DeMayo.

In addition, DeMayo stated that his worries at Marvel were dismissed by executives, who, as he put it, advised him to “handle it” since the people in question were allegedly extraordinarily gifted.

There were significant allegations made that left people wondering about the identity of the anonymous executive, particularly since DeMayo was fired only a few days before the premiere of X-Men ’97 on Disney+. As Winderbaum had control over the show and was featured in official press materials, he became the main suspect among both fans and industry insiders.

Confirmation in a Now-Deleted Tweet

On June 16, 2025, DeMayo appeared to confirm what had been rumored for months.

In a now-deleted post, DeMayo expressed humorously. “Rather than investigating a staff member’s inappropriate behavior with a Production Assistant and the subsequent cover-up by some producers who slandered me after I reported it, Marvel Studios has permitted those individuals to pen an introduction for the #xmen97 series they didn’t originally create.

Included in the email is a picture showcasing the cover of X-Men ’97: The Art of the Series. Notably, it carries the inscription “Foreword by Brad Winderbaum, Eric Lewald, and Julia Lewald” on its front.

In the original 1990s version of X-Men: The Animated Series, the Lewalds played significant roles as showrunner and writer respectively. However, they were not involved in X-Men ’97 beyond early consultations. This means that only one person, Brad Winderbaum, was credited with a leadership position on the revival series.

The post was deleted shortly after it was published.

Fallout and Industry Reaction

The recently removed post signifies a significant change in Beau DeMayo’s public allegations. Earlier statements seemed to point towards a producer concealing a report about another person’s misconduct. However, this more recent phrasing has led many to believe that Brad Winderbaum might have been the party involved in the suspected inappropriate relationship or the superior who chose to hide it.

DeMayo distinguishes between “a person’s actual bad conduct with a PA” and “the cover-up perpetuated by certain producers,” but then refers to “them” as the individual Marvel allowed to write a foreword to the official X-Men ’97 art book.

Simultaneously, DeMayo has been confronted with charges of questionable backstage conduct, such as sending inappropriate self-portraits to staff members. DeMayo vehemently refutes these allegations, labeling them as part of the supposed smear tactic he thinks was initiated as retaliation for exposing misconduct.

So far, Marvel Studios hasn’t spoken about the current issue. Despite being a key figure at the studio, Winderbaum hasn’t issued any public remarks on this matter. To this point, neither investigations nor formal accusations concerning these allegations against Winderbaum have been made public.

However, as DeMayo starts revealing identities, the narrative has become sharper and more accusatory – it seems this isn’t the end of the matter.

Could DeMayo Have Been Referring to the Lewalds?

In the book X-Men ’97: The Art of the Series, Brad Winderbaum, Eric Lewald, and Julia Lewald each wrote a foreword. However, it seems improbable that DeMayo’s now-deleted post was aimed at either of the Lewalds.

Eric Lewald and Julia Lewald played significant roles as showrunner and writer in the original 1990s version of “X-Men: The Animated Series”. However, their participation in “X-Men ’97” was confined to early consultation only. They did not assume any leadership, executive, or on-set production positions in the revival, meaning they didn’t have any managerial roles over production assistants or staff during its production.

It appears that DeMayo’s reference to “a person’s actual misconduct with a PA” focuses on someone directly involved in creating X-Men ’97, as suggested by the phrase “they didn’t create” and the fact that the Lewalds were part of the original animated X-Men universe. Since Brad Winderbaum is the only individual listed on the book who held a leadership role in the new series, he might be the one under scrutiny for his conduct during the production of X-Men ’97.

Where Things Go From Here

DeMayo’s confirmation stirs up significant concerns about Marvel’s internal work environment, particularly within its streaming sector. Even though X-Men ’97 has received extensive praise, the escalating dispute regarding the treatment of the showrunner and who is now speaking on behalf of the series may cast a cloud over upcoming seasons.

Initially considered creative reorganization, DeMayo’s dismissal seems to be a significant move in a hidden power struggle. If more information surfaces, this incident might attract attention from the press and legal analysts.

For now, Marvel Studios remains silent.

But the silence is growing louder.

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2025-06-16 23:57