Producer of indie classics such as “Uncut Gems” and “Good Time” currently facing allegations of sexual misconduct, grooming, and assault by multiple women. Sebastian Bear-Mcclard, who co-founded Elara Pictures with the Safdie brothers in 2014, first faced allegations after multiple women, who remained anonymous, gave statements to Variety.
Along with the damning allegations detailed in Variety’s write-up, the 42-year-old producer is also sorting out the details of a divorce and custody battle with ex-wife Emily Ratajkowski; and working out the legal woes following his firing from Elara Pictures in the wake-up allegations coming to light in mid-2022.
The sexual misconduct in question is quite lurid, detailing instances of using his power as a producer to persuade women to provide sexual favors or engage in acts that they did not consent to. One such instance, in which McClard contacted a 17-year-old via Instagram, led to his firing. McClard offered her a scene in the movie Good Time without describing the details of the scene. She eventually came to realize that it would be a sex scene with an actor who’d recently been released from prison. She also claims that, at one point, an actor asked her if he could penetrate her. She declined the offer, finishing the scene but feeling “utterly stunned” and “terrified.”
The Safdie Brothers immediately terminated Sebastian after they learned of the situation by mid-2022.
Another woman claimed that McClard began grooming her at the age of 18 while on the set of Uncut Gems. He made promises of major career advances for her; and, eventually, made it clear that these advances hinged on sexual favors. At one point, McClard invited the woman over to the apartment he shared with Emily Ratajkowski, his wife at the time, and penetrated her without her consent.
She also noted that he made many derogatory comments about her, calling her “retarded” and an anti-semitic slur, although he would immediately reassure her that these comments were just jokes.
The then 18-year-old woman also alleges that Sebastian began engaging with a 15-year-old girl on Instagram (eventually bringing her to the set of Uncut Gems) as well as another woman working production for the film.
Of note: The deal between Elara Pictures and indie powerhouse A24 films was signed in 2020. Industry insiders claim the allegations against Sebastian Bear-McClard were circulating well before this signing.
