Nine women have come forward with sexual misconduct claims against Jared Leto, alleged to span over twenty years and involving accusations with minors, according to a recent Air Mail investigation. As these claims have gained public attention, earlier James Gunn comments on Jared Leto misconduct allegations are being re-examined and discussed widely.
Details of the Allegations Against Leto
Reports, including those referenced by People, describe disturbing patterns of behavior attributed to Leto. Several women reported that he contacted them online or via phone when they were 16 or 17, with late-night conversations turning sexual. Some accusers allege in-person encounters escalated further, with claims that Leto exposed himself, masturbated in front of a young woman, and pressured them into unwanted sexual acts.
Among those speaking out, model Laura La Rue says she first met Leto at 16, then visited his home at 17, where she recalls him emerging nude and flirting. DJ Allie Teilz, also 17 during her alleged encounter, stated that Leto tried to force himself on her backstage. Teilz drew additional attention by reposting a 2012 Facebook message that referred to Leto as “Hollywood’s most persistent predator,” calling the experience “predatory, terrifying, and unacceptable.”
Official Denials From Leto’s Camp
In response, Leto’s representatives have denied the accusations, labeling some as “demonstrably false” and asserting that all communications were innocent. A key point raised by Leto’s team is the claim that accusers, such as La Rue, approached him seeking employment, a detail that La Rue disputes. Despite the rising scrutiny, Jared Leto himself has not issued a personal statement addressing the allegations.
James Gunn’s Social Media Remarks Come Under Scrutiny
The circulation of misconduct allegations has prompted renewed interest in earlier, now-deleted public statements by James Gunn about Leto. Gunn, briefly dismissed by Disney in 2018 for resurfacing controversial tweets, previously made remarks perceived as critical of Leto’s behavior with young women. That year, after Dylan Sprouse tweeted about Leto’s pattern of dating women aged 18 to 25, Gunn responded with,
He starts at 18 on the Internet?
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
This tweet – widely seen as implying possible involvement with minors – has since been removed from Gunn’s X (formerly Twitter) account.
Additional incidents include a 2015 Periscope session, where Gunn reportedly discussed rumors involving Leto and underage women. Following this broadcast, Gunn apologized via Instagram, stating,
Sorry to all of you around the world who saw my Ambien-fueled Periscope session last night at 3 a.m. (Yes, I erased it).
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
In 2012, Gunn tweeted,
Driving home from Vegas trading stories about what a dick Jared Leto is.
—James Gunn, Filmmaker
These remarks, though part of broader online banter at the time, are being reconsidered as new allegations surface against Leto.
Broader Impact and Industry Response
The misconduct claims reportedly date back as far as 2006, with the timeframe of incidents extending into the mid-2000s and beyond. No lawsuits or criminal charges have been filed to date, but the seriousness of the accusations, combined with Leto’s visibility – especially with his leading role in Tron: Ares – has elevated public concern. Entities such as Disney and its production partners now face scrutiny about their response, as anticipation builds for Tron: Ares, which is scheduled for release on October 10, 2025.
The Air Mail revelations coincide with increased publicity for Tron: Ares, raising complex questions about how the studio will handle the controversy in both promotional and operational terms. As the situation continues to develop, attention remains focused on the potential fallout for all involved, including the reputations of those, like James Gunn, who previously voiced public criticism.
