Tue Oct 28 13:50:00 UTC 2025: ## “Terrifier” Actress Sues Director, Producers, Alleging Exploitation and Unpaid Royalties
Los Angeles, CA – Catherine Corcoran, best known for her role in the 2016 horror film “Terrifier,” has filed a lawsuit against director Damien Leone and the film’s producers, alleging breach of contract, distribution of sexually explicit material without consent, and exploitation.
The suit, filed in California federal court on Sunday, paints a picture of Corcoran allegedly being taken advantage of during the low-budget production. It names Dark Age Cinema, Fuzz on the Lens Productions, producer Phil Falcone, and Leone’s Art the Clown banner as defendants.
Corcoran, who played the character central to a graphic and controversial scene involving torture and murder, claims she agreed to an “extremely low per diem rate” in exchange for 1% of the film’s profits, including future sequels and merchandise. While “Terrifier” has spawned two sequels and grossed over $105 million globally, Corcoran alleges her royalty payments have been sporadic and minimal, totaling only $1,816.35 since July 2024, with a total merchandise royalty payment of only approximately $6,408.26. She claims to have not received payment since July 2024, and that attempts to address the issue with Falcone and Leone were met with dismissive and defensive responses.
The lawsuit also alleges that Corcoran was filmed nude during the infamous scene without obtaining her informed written consent, a violation of Screen Actors Guild rules. The suit claims she insisted on wearing underwear during filming but ultimately performed topless without the required consent. The actress also claims she was hung upside down for over 10 hours in below freezing temperatures, and that only at her request was she provided a horizontal platform to break on, in addition to a blanket that was eventually saturated with fake blood and provided no warmth. She alleges that this resulted in cranial swelling and eardrum damage.
Furthermore, Corcoran claims that the defendants are profiting from merchandise depicting her nude body without her consent, compounding the alleged exploitation.
Corcoran’s attorneys describe the case as an “all-too-common story of low budget film producers taking advantage of a young actress through fraud, sexual harassment and, ultimately, betrayal.” The lawsuit includes seven claims for relief, including distribution of sexually explicit materials, breach of contract, and promissory fraud.
As of now, Damien Leone and the producers have not responded to requests for comment. The case is expected to be closely watched within the independent film community and raises questions about fair treatment and compensation of actors in low-budget productions.
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