In 2020, after a video circulated seemingly showing The Flash star Ezra Miller strangling a woman, the actor reportedly believed they were the victim. Miller is best known for starring as the DC Extended Universe's Flash and as Credence in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The choking incident was among the first of many run-ins Miller would have with authorities. In the video, Miller was shown walking up to a woman, grabbing at her neck, and dragging her to the ground. At the time, Miller was not put under investigation. Miller's future with Warner Bros. has been uncertain recently, though, considering that the allegations against them have become increasingly frequent and serious over the past few months.
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Earlier this year, Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment at a bar in Hawaii. Shortly after their release, the couple they were staying with filed a restraining order against the actor. Several months later, the parents of Tokata Iron Eyes filed a temporary order of protection against Miller on behalf of their 18-year-old child, alleging Miller had groomed and manipulated her. Since then, Miller has had more allegations of harassment and disorderly conduct raised against them. Most recently, Miller was arrested and charged with felony burglary in Vermont.
As reported by Vanity Fair, Miller initially claimed that they were the actual victim in the strangling incident. Miller's associate tells the outlet that she heard Miller on the phone with Warner Bros. shortly after the incident giving their alleged version of the events. Miller's rep defends them, claiming that Miller's strangulation of the women was a "spontaneous reaction" to being taunted by a group of teenagers about martial arts skills. Recalling the phone call she overheard, the associate states:
It was [Warner Bros.] listening and Miller spewing his poor-me speech: ‘I’m the one who was hated on.’ So you have this almost 30-year-old who is a partier telling Warner Bros. that he was the victim.
Hearing Miller's side of the incident certainly is interesting, especially since it differs from what the victim alleged happened. The victim's friend spoke out about the strangulation video. She claimed that her friend and Miller had been talking just moments before the events of the video took place. Her friend made an innocent joke about challenging them a fight and that, without warning, Miller then attacked her and spit on her. Even if Miller's version of the events are true, choking someone is not an appropriate response to being taunted or baited.
Miller's claim of being the victim in the choking incident is in line with them consistently making excuses for their actions. While Miller did apologize for their recent controversies and expressed that they would be seeking treatment for mental health issues, they have not accepted much responsibility for their actions publicly. While Miller certainly should have a chance to tell their side of the story, few of their excuses are actual justifications for their actions. While The Flash star claimed to be the victim in the choking incident, it is very difficult to justify a 30-year-old strangling a woman because they were taunted by a group of teenagers. It remains to be seen how Miller will repair their public image following all of these indiscretions.