UPDATED: William O’Malley, Jesuit & ‘Exorcist’ Actor, Accused of Sexual Abuse
VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Reverend William J. O’Malley is known for his portrayal as Father Joe Dyer in the 1973 horror film “The Exorcist.”
August 25, 2019
Reverend William J. O’Malley, a former theology teacher at Fordham Preparatory School and one-time actor, has been accused of sexual abuse against a minor. Rev. O’Malley is known for playing Father Joe Dyer in the 1973 film “The Exorcist” and formerly resided in Murray-Weigel Hall at the Rose Hill campus.
Rev. O’Malley taught theology, English and drama at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, NY, from 1965 to 1986. The accuser, identified only by his initials, “J.W.,” claims that the Rev. O’Malley sexually abused him during the 1985-86 school year.
J.W., who was 17 years old at the time, claims that he was assaulted multiple times in a classroom, in school hallways and at school-sponsored events. The victim claims to suffer from “severe emotional and psychological distress, humiliation, fright dissociation, anger, depression, anxiety, family turmoil and loss of faith” due to Rev. O’Malley’s abuse.
In 1973, Rev. O’Malley took a sabbatical in order to film “The Exorcist.” During that time he also worked as an assistant theology professor at Fordham University, where the movie was filmed. He returned to McQuaid High School after filming: “I was a moonlight actor, but I’m a teacher,” Rev. O’Malley said in an interview with the Rochester Democrat in 1975. “My life is with the kids.”
After working at McQuaid High School for 22 years, Rev. O’Malley started teaching theology at Fordham Preparatory School in 1986. According to then-Fordham Preparatory School President Rev. Kenneth Boller in a report by the New York Post, he was let go in 2012 for his “abrasive” and “confrontational style.”
Rev. O’Malley, now 87 years old, previously lived in Murray-Weigel Hall, located at the Rose Hill campus. Murray-Weigel Hall is operated by the Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus. He has not been employed at Fordham University nor at Fordham Preparatory School since being let go in 2012.
The allegation comes after the passing of the Child Victims Act in New York which allows sexual abuse victims of any age, including those whose cases had expired under the old statue of limitations, to take legal action. Hundreds of allegations of sexual assault have flooded New York’s courts since the act went into effect on Aug. 14.
O’Malley is the tenth Jesuit priest connected to the Fordham community who has been accused of sexual assault this year. On Jan. 15, University President the Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., released a statement credibly accusing nine priests of sexual assault.
McQuaid High School and the Jesuits USA Northeast Province have denied having any prior knowledge of Rev. O’Malley’s alleged abuse before the release of the lawsuit. Bob Howe, Assistant Vice President for Communications & Special Adviser to the President, has stated that Rev. O’Malley was removed from Murray-Weigel Hall following the the surfacing of the accusations.
Addendum: Fordham University has released a statement regarding the Rev. O’Malley, stating:
“Fordham has absolutely no tolerance for sexual misconduct of any kind and will continue to take all actions necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and others in our community. Upon learning of the allegations against Father O’Malley in the recent litigation, he was removed from residence at Murray-Weigel Hall, consistent with our agreement with the Province, which owns and operates the facility.”
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Father O’Malley lives in Spellman Hall. Father O’Malley previously lived in Murray-Weigel Hall, which is operated by the Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus. He has never resided in Spellman Hall.
CM Krauss • Oct 29, 2022 at 1:34 pm
I came to know Fr O’Malley in his older years. By the time these allegations were made, he was in no position to answer for himself.
Virginia Hauser • Oct 14, 2022 at 1:22 pm
Why haven’t you published an update on this allegation against Father O’Malley? Has he been vindicated? You owe it to your readers. Virginia Hauser.
Andrew Lang • Sep 1, 2019 at 1:46 pm
I’m saddened by this news. I hope it proves to be untrue, but if it is, that the victim will find justice. By the way, I was an undergrad at Georgetown when “The Exorcist” was filmed there. I don’t believe there were any scenes at Fordham, but I could be wrong. I know Fr. O’Malley was on campus as the film’s technical adviser, and was present at least one scene in Georgetown–at the foot of the M Street stairs where Fr. Karras fell to his death.
Anthony Noce • Aug 26, 2019 at 11:37 pm
Mcquaid alum, Class of 1983
And my father was on the faculty, so I literally grew up with McQuaid
I’m not naive, and I have seen that these types allegations have turned out to be true more often than not. Every incident is a cause for sadness – and anger – and righteous indignation. This one is all of those and, because I knew Fr. O’Malley and considered him a good man and a good priest, it’s also a little more personal – and a little more painful. I hope these allegations are not, in fact, true. If they are, however, my friend and former teacher should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
And he was quietly transferred from McQuaid to Fordham Orep with the knowledge of this allegation, every administrator involved should also be punished. This, in my opinion, is where the Church has truly failed in this crisis. Bishops and other Church administrators and leaders not only knew about many of the allegations, but actively covered them up. This is outrageous!
Tim Irish • Nov 13, 2022 at 12:34 am
OMG–I believe you know even less than you let on, dear Tony. Can your outrage, Crime Dog. It is apparent that all these alleged “assaults” happened in public places. Does that raise your suspicions even slightly, Sherlock? Sexual predators nearly always have scores of victims lined up to tell their story and get a check. This sole case sort of stinks from the outset. The lone accuser must be a man in his fifties now–and the clock is running out on payoffs. Oh, Tony, crack investigator that you are–are you aware that’s why there’s a statute of limitations on these sort of things? Alleged victims are likely to forget things–or embroider them, especially when there is money involved. It’s more than a little obvious and pathetic. Knowing O’Malley as I do, there is zero chance that anything untoward ever occurred.
Linda • Oct 30, 2023 at 11:48 am
Yes and this has ruined his career.
JUST hoping if he does go to confession it will be kept private. As many times it is not kept private and becomes gossip. Which is also a sin.
To dedicate your whole life to carrying the cross then this happens.
By the way it took two priests souls to save one 12 year old soul in the movie the exorcist. It is the music that is so offensive. Tuff issues but it is just a movie. Abortion is murder.
Linda Eckhoff • Oct 30, 2023 at 11:52 am
Yes and this has ruined his career.
JUST hoping if he does go to confession it will be kept private. As many times it is not kept private and becomes gossip. Which is also a sin.
To dedicate your whole life to carrying the cross then this happens.
By the way it took two priests souls to save one 12 year old soul in the movie the exorcist. It is the music that is so offensive. Tuff issues but it is just a movie. Abortion is murder.