A timeline of David O Russell’s incredibly gross behaviour

David O. Russell has consistently attracted talent to his projects, with his upcoming film Amsterdam set to follow suit. 

Scheduled for release on October 7, the cast boasts industry heavyweights such as Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldaña, Chris Rock, Rami Malek, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Robert De Niro, and even Taylor Swift. 

Russell's previous works, including critically acclaimed movies like Three Kings, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle, have garnered widespread acclaim and numerous Oscar nominations for their talented actors. 

19-year-old Nicole Peloquin registered a police complaint, alleging that her uncle, David Russell, sexually harassed her at a gym in 2011. 

The Smoking Gun has acquired and published a copy of this report, which states that, while offering her help during abdominal exercises, Russell placed his hand "above" her genitals. 

Another person, who is a transgender named Peloquin, has additionally alleged that the film director once slid his hand under her shirt, and then felt both of her breasts.

Russell has admitted to these allegations, claiming he was intrigued about how hormones affected their private parts. 

He added that he took permission from Nicole and asked her to pinky swear if she was uncomfortable. Peloquin, on the other hand, had become "seductive" according to him.

October 2022

Christian Bale expressed his support for David during interviews promoting their latest collaboration, Amsterdam. 

Speaking to IndieWire on October 4, Bale described working with Russell as a unique experience and praised the director's distinct approach.

In a separate cover story with GQ published on October 5, Bale addressed the allegations of difficult sets associated with Russell's projects. 

Bale confirmed previous reports that he had confronted Russell, telling him to "back off" at one point. Despite these occasional conflicts, Bale emphasized his immense admiration for both Adams and Russell.

September 2022

During a Q&A session moderated by Ben Stiller, who had previously worked with Russell in the 1996 film Flirting with Disaster, the director's unique approach to filmmaking came into focus.

Variety reports that Stiller remarked on Russell's penchant for creating an "intentional kind of chaos" on set. He described how the director's unpredictable style keeps actors on their toes, as they never know what to expect from day to day.

Margot Robbie, one of the film's cast members, echoed this sentiment, expressing both terror and exhilaration at the uncertainty of each shooting day. 

She revealed that Russell's refusal to call "cut" on set was a recurring occurrence during the filming.

September 2014

Sony hack revealed email exchanges shedding light on further allegations concerning David O. Russell's behaviour during the making of American Hustle.

Journalist Jonathan Alter shared his concerns about his conduct with Sony's CEO Michael Lynton, his brother-in-law. 

In the email, Alter expressed scepticism about Russell's alleged reformation, describing the director's behaviour as extreme, even by Hollywood standards.

He claimed that Russell grabbed one individual by the collar, frequently used profanity in front of others, and subjected Amy Adams to mistreatment to the point where co-star Christian Bale intervened and asked the director to stop acting inappropriately. 

Additionally, Columbia Pictures co-president Michael De Luca emailed Sony co-chairman Amy Pascal in the same month, recounting an incident where he witnessed Russell seducing actress Sally Field to tears at a party. 

July 2003 

An infamous video captured a tense moment on the set of I Heart Huckabees involving Lily Tomlin and David O. Russell. 

The footage showcased Tomlin expressing her frustration with the constant changes being demanded of her, exclaiming, "I'm not as brilliant as you. I can't keep up with you." 

As the video progresses, Russell is seen sweeping props off a desk in a fit of rage, causing those nearby to cower as objects are sent flying. 

His anger escalates as he shouts, "Bitch! I'm not here to be fucking yelled at! I worked on this thing for three fucking years, and I'm not going to have some fucking cunt yell at me in front of the fucking crew when I'm trying to fucking help you." 

Russell's stormy outbursts persist as he repeatedly exits and re-enters the set, continuing his tirade.

The Times article, intriguingly titled 'Nudist Buddhist Borderline-Abusive Love-in,' alleged that Russell locked himself inside his office, refusing to emerge after the outburst. 

It suggested that the director engaged in inappropriate touching, specifically mentioning instances of him allegedly grabbing Mark Wahlberg's genitals during filming. 

Furthermore, it was stated that he would whisper "lewdly" into actresses' ears before shooting scenes.