Actress Catherine Corcoran, known for her role in the film Terrifier, has initiated legal action against the film’s producers and director, Damien Leone. The lawsuit alleges violations of contract terms and unauthorized distribution of explicit content.
Filed in a federal court in California on Sunday, corcoran’s legal team presented a case that highlights the troubling narrative often seen in low-budget filmmaking—where young actresses may be exploited through deceit, sexual harassment, and ultimately betrayal. The lawsuit identifies several parties as defendants: production companies Murky Age Cinema and Fuzz on the Lens Productions, along with producer Phil Falcone, Leone himself, and his production company Art the Clown.It outlines seven claims for relief including breach of contract and promissory fraud.
As of now, attempts to reach Leone or any representatives from the production teams for comments have been unsuccessful.
A Closer Look at Allegations
catherine Corcoran is notably recognized by fans of “Terrifier” for her unforgettable performance during one of its most shocking scenes from 2016. In this sequence, her character is depicted hanging upside down while being attacked by Art the Clown. According to her lawsuit, filming this scene required Corcoran to remain suspended by her ankles for over ten hours in frigid conditions.
The actress reportedly accepted a role in “Terrifier” under an agreement that included an exceptionally low upfront payment but promised 1% of profits from both the film itself and any future sequels or merchandise associated with it. To date, two sequels have been released wich collectively earned over $105 million globally at box offices alone; additional revenue streams include home video sales and fan events centered around “Terrifier.” The suit asserts that Leone had committed in writing to provide Corcoran with half of 1% from all gross sales related to “Terrifier” merchandise.
Though, Corcoran contends that following the original movie’s release—and its subsequent rise to fame—her royalty payments became increasingly irregular and eventually dwindled considerably. She claims she has not received any back pay since July 2024; up until then she had only received $1,816.35 without any clarification regarding why payments stopped or where other funds might be located. Reportedly, total merchandise royalties amount only to approximately $6,408.26.
The actress states she confronted both Falcone and Leone about these missing payments but was dismissed; according to her account, Leone claimed Falcone managed all financial matters while Falcone responded defensively stating he supposedly “doesn’t keep records.”
Moreover, although Corcoran’s death scene required nudity—a condition requiring explicit written consent per SAG-AFTRA guidelines—the suit alleges producers failed to obtain such consent prior to filming.Despite requesting lingerie on set before shooting began that day—she ended up performing topless without proper authorization instead. Additionally noted is how between takes she was provided only a horizontal platform upon request for rest yet found herself wrapped in a blanket soaked with fake blood which lost its warmth quickly due to saturation.
Following overnight filming sessions under these conditions led Corcoran feeling unwell days later; medical evaluation revealed cranial swelling alongside eardrum pain issues stemming from those experiences during production days filled with unpaid royalties tied into merchandising depicting images featuring her nude form without consent.