LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The highly anticipated DCEU movie, 'The Flash', has been scheduled to release on June 16, after encountering numerous setbacks and controversies, jeopardizing its release. Originally announced in 2014 with a targeted release date of 2018, the film faced production delays. However, the most significant challenges arose from the controversial actions of its star, Ezra Miller.
Miller, who portrays the protagonist Barry Allen in 'The Flash' faced public ire after a video of him allegedly choking a woman went viral in 2020. Subsequently, Miller encountered legal troubles, including arrests and accusations of assault and sexual misconduct. These controversies have led to a widespread outcry from fans, who began to demand that the producers recast the role of Barry Allen.
Ezra Miller was first arrested when they were 10
Miller's first arrest occurred at the young age of 10 when they were caught vandalizing a Gap store with spray paint. In a 2018 interview, they revealed, "I was arrested when I was 10 for spray painting 'Stop sweatshop labor' on a Gap clothing store. I did it twice in a row — that was our mistake. That was our criminal error." Miller admitted to returning to the crime scene and being caught by a neighbor. They were part of a group of children who tried to escape but were eventually apprehended by the police when they linked the spray paint-covered children to the committed crime.
Arrested for marijuana in 2011
In 2011, Miller became involved in a drug-related case after gaining attention for their role in 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'. They were caught by traffic police with a substance resembling marijuana. The possession charge was dismissed, but they received citations for disorderly conduct. In an interview, Ezra openly admitted to using marijuana without feeling the need to hide it, as per Nylon.
Choked a woman in 2020
In April 2020, a video emerged showing Miller seemingly choking a woman at a bar in Reykjavik, Iceland. According to reports, the footage captured Miller saying, "Oh, you wanna fight? That's what you wanna do?" to a young woman who appeared to be playfully preparing for a fight. Subsequently, Miller proceeded to grab her by the throat and throw her to the ground. An eyewitness at the bar claimed that this incident occurred after Miller was approached by a group of enthusiastic fans.
Arrested for harassment in March 2022
During the evening of March 27, 2022, the actor was taken into custody for charges of harassment and disorderly conduct at a karaoke bar. The incident occurred when Miller became agitated by people performing Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's 'Shallow' from the movie 'A Star Is Born'. According to police reports, Miller was heard shouting obscenities, forcibly taking the microphone from a woman who was singing, and making aggressive movements towards a man who was playing darts. Following the arrest, Miller was released upon posting a bail amount of $500.
Restraining order filed against Miller in March 2022
In late March of the same year, two residents of Hawaii accused Miller of breaking into their bedroom and stealing their passports and wallets. The couple filed a petition seeking a temporary restraining order. The complaint alleged that Miller forcefully entered the bedroom and made threats towards the male victim, including the statement, "I will bury you and your slut wife." The restraining order was dropped at a later point.
Arrested for second-degree assault in April 2022
According to a police report from an incident on April 19, 2022, Miller was involved in an altercation where they allegedly threw a chair at a 26-year-old woman, hitting her in the head. The report states that the police were called to respond to an assault at a party, and Miller became agitated when asked to leave. As a result, they reportedly hurled a chair, striking the woman on her forehead and causing a half-inch cut. Miller was subsequently arrested after being located by the police during a traffic stop on the roadway.
Accused of grooming a child on June 2022
Tokata Iron Eyes met Miller when she was 12 and he was 23. Iron Eyes' parents accused Miller of grooming their daughter and supplying her with alcohol, marijuana, and LSD. They also claimed that Miller took control of her car keys and credit cards and instructed her to use the name "Gibson." The parents of the 18-year-old have successfully obtained a protective order against Miller. The protective order prohibits Miller from contacting or harassing Tokata, and their parents for a duration of 30 days. Additionally, Miller is required to maintain a distance of 100 yards from the family's residence during this period.
Arrested for burglary in August 2022
A police report from May 1, 2022 revealed that Miller was found in possession of several stolen bottles of alcohol from a residence in Stamford, Vermont. After gathering statements and reviewing surveillance footage, Miller faced felony charges of burglary in August 2022.
Miller later apologised for their behaviour. In a statement, Miller said, "Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental-health issues and have begun ongoing treatment. I want to apologise to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behaviour. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe, and productive stage in my life."