Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the widely discussed horror film “Terrifier,” is pursuing legal action against the film’s producers, citing allegations of fraud and sexual harassment. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, claims that the producers took advantage of her and failed to uphold their contractual agreements regarding profit sharing. As the “Terrifier” franchise gained tremendous success, Corcoran asserts that she has not received her fair share of profits, despite an agreement that entitled her to one percent of the earnings from the films and related merchandise.
Corcoran emphasizes in her complaint that she received a minimal daily rate during filming, which was a fraction of the Screen Actors Guild’s $100 minimum, to compensate for her participation in a film that would rise to significant profitability. She accuses producer Phil Falcone and director Damien Leone of engaging her in nude scenes without securing her written consent, a clear breach of her contract. Furthermore, she describes the working conditions she faced on set, which involved long hours in cold, condemned buildings and led to severe physical consequences, including cranial swelling and eardrum damage.
In a disturbing revelation, the lawsuit details how she was subjected to scenes involving prosthetics that were allegedly covered in rat feces and was made to lie on plywood while being glued down to create a silicone body cast. Corcoran claims that her requests for modesty were disregarded, and her photos captured during these nude scenes were subsequently used without her consent on merchandise.
Financially, she points out that while she received some royalties during the film’s initial success, those payments dwindled as the franchise expanded beyond expectations. With “Terrifier” grossing $420,000 on just a $35,000 budget and its sequel amassing an impressive $15.8 million, Corcoran argues that her compensation has not reflected the burgeoning success.
The lawsuit not only seeks financial restitution but also highlights potential violations of California civil codes banning the distribution of nonconsensual nude imagery. Corcoran is demanding a full accounting of the film’s profits to substantiate her claims for damages. This legal battle underscores ongoing discussions in Hollywood regarding the rights of actors, especially women, in terms of workplace conditions and consent. With industry norms increasingly scrutinized, many hope this case may contribute to a shift towards greater respect and accountability in filmmaking practices.