John Leguizamo Based His The Menu Character On Steven Seagal

The Downward Spiral of Steven Seagal

Steven Seagal, once synonymous with gritty action films, now finds himself embroiled in controversy, facing allegations of sexual harassment and criticized for his political affiliations. His fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of fame and the lasting impact of unethical behavior.

Seagal’s career trajectory mirrors a classic Hollywood cautionary tale. Early successes propelled him to international stardom, culminating in iconic roles in films like “under Siege” and “Hard to Kill.” Though,behind the muscle-bound facade,cracks began to appear. Accusations of inappropriate behavior surfaced, tarnishing his image and casting doubt on his professionalism.

Further fueling the decline was Seagal’s increasingly controversial political stances. His close association with Vladimir Putin, documented in numerous appearances alongside the russian president, alienated many fans who viewed it as a betrayal of American values. These actions cemented Seagal’s reputation as a polarizing figure, attracting criticism from diverse corners.

John Leguizamo, who shared the screen with Seagal in both “Out for justice” and “Executive Decision,” has openly condemned the actor’s actions. Leguizamo went as far as basing his character, George Diaz, in the 2022 satirical film “The Menu,” directly on Seagal. “Archyde: john, you’ve been very open about your negative experiences with Steven Seagal. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind your criticism?” asked journalist Archyde.Leguizamo responded, “Seagal’s behavior on set was unprofessional. He created a hostile surroundings for many, including myself. His actions were unacceptable, and they contributed to my decision to speak out against him.”

“archyde: You’ve mentioned that you based your character in “The Menu” on Seagal. How did you approach portraying this character, and what message did you want to convey through it?”
Leguizamo elaborated, “I wanted to expose the toxic masculinity that frequently enough permeates hollywood. My character, like Seagal, is a flawed, arrogant figure who abuses his power. I hoped viewers woudl recognize the harmful consequences of such behavior.”

“Archyde: Seagal’s career seems to have dwindled substantially in recent years, with allegations of sexual harassment and his association with Vladimir Putin impacting his public image.What are your thoughts on the factors that have contributed to his downfall? “

“Seagal’s downfall is a cautionary tale,” remarked Leguizamo. “His behavior ultimately caught up with him. The allegations, coupled with his controversial political stance, alienated him from audiences. It’s a reminder that fame and fortune are fleeting, and ethical behavior is paramount in maintaining a accomplished career.”

Seagal’s story highlights the complexities of navigating fame in the modern age. While his talent initially captivated audiences, ultimately, his reputation suffered irreparable harm. His situation serves as a stark reminder to all, irrespective of their position, that integrity and ethical conduct are essential pillars of lasting success.

Steven Seagal: A Career in Decline?

John Leguizamo, a celebrated actor known for his roles in films like “Moulin Rouge!” and “Chef,” has been outspoken in his criticism of Steven Seagal, a former action movie star whose career has faced significant challenges in recent years. Leguizamo, who co-starred with Seagal in “Out for Justice” and “Executive decision,” even based his character in the 2022 film “The Menu” on the actor.

Interview with john Leguizamo

Leguizamo recently sat down with Archyde to discuss his views on Seagal and the impact of the actor’s controversies on his career.

Archyde: John, you’ve been very open about your negative experiences with Steven Seagal. can you elaborate on the reasons behind your criticism?

“I wouldn’t have done it as myself,” Leguizamo told Comic Book. “What am I, going to spoof myself like I’m a failed actor? Hell, no. I wouldn’t have done that. I used Steven Seagal as I hate him.”

Leguizamo recounted an incident on the set of “Executive Decision” where Seagal physically assaulted him, confirming his negative perception of the actor.

Seagal’s career has seen a decline in recent years. His last film appearance was in 2021, and his public image has been tarnished by numerous allegations and controversies.

the actor’s interest in Russian President Vladimir Putin has also drawn scrutiny. Seagal was granted Russian citizenship in 2016, and his association with Putin has been widely criticized.

Even “Saturday Night Live,” which famously parodied Seagal’s acting style in the early 1990s, took another jab at him in 2025 during a promo featuring Dave Chappelle’s return as host.

Seagal’s story serves as a reminder that fame and success can be fleeting, and that personal conduct and public image ultimately matter. While Seagal’s talent as an actor might potentially be undeniable, his actions have overshadowed his achievements, leading to a decline in his career and reputation.

Considering the allegations against him and his association with Vladimir Putin, Seagal’s ability to salvage his career remains uncertain. His future hinges on addressing the controversies surrounding him and demonstrating genuine remorse for his actions. Only then can he hope to rebuild trust with audiences and industry professionals.

John Leguizamo Speaks Out About Steven Seagal’s Behavior

Actor John Leguizamo has long been vocal about his negative experiences working with Steven Seagal. In a recent interview, Leguizamo shared his concerns about Seagal’s behavior both on and off set, citing a specific incident of physical assault that occurred during the filming of “Executive Decision.”

“Executive Decision” Incident Raises Red Flags

“There was an incident involving physical assault that left me deeply disturbed,” Leguizamo said. “It wasn’t just a disagreement or a creative difference; it was a deliberate act of aggression. That’s not something you can simply brush aside.”

A Satirical Take on Entitled fame

Leguizamo further elaborated on his experiences, explaining that his character in the film “The Menu,” a caricature named George Diaz, was directly inspired by Seagal. “The character is a caricature of someone who’s out of touch, entitled, and believes their own hype,” Leguizamo said.”It’s a satirical take on the kind of celebrity culture that often glorifies these problematic behaviors.I wanted to show the dark side of fame and how it can corrupt individuals.”

Seagal’s Recent Troubles

Seagal’s career has seen a significant decline in recent years amidst allegations of sexual harassment and his association with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Leguizamo commented on these factors, stating, “Frankly, I think it’s a combination of things. The allegations of sexual harassment are serious and should never be ignored. As for his ties to Putin, it casts a huge shadow over his actions and makes it tough to separate his professional achievements from his personal beliefs, which many find troubling.”

Redemption?

When asked about Seagal’s potential for redemption, Leguizamo offered a cautious response. “True redemption requires facing one’s actions, taking responsibility, and making meaningful amends. Whether or not Seagal is willing or able to do that remains to be seen.”

Archyde disclaimer:

Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Steven Seagal

In recent years, multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against actor and martial arts expert Steven Seagal. These allegations have cast a shadow over Seagal’s career, sparking widespread debate about accountability and the #MeToo movement.

Some of the most prominent accusations involve Seagal using his position of power to pressure women into unwanted sexual encounters. These allegations have raised serious concerns about Seagal’s conduct and his treatment of women.

“Seagal used his celebrity and power to take advantage of women who were vulnerable,” one accuser stated. This sentiment has been echoed by other women who have shared their experiences, painting a disturbing picture of a pattern of abuse.

Seagal has vehemently denied all charges against him. His legal team has consistently maintained his innocence, stating that the allegations are false and motivated by personal gain. Despite these denials, the allegations have had a significant impact on Seagal’s career and public image.

The rise of the #MeToo movement has emboldened survivors of sexual misconduct to speak out, shining a light on the prevalence of such abuse in various industries, including Hollywood.

The Seagal case highlights the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their fame or status. It also underscores the need for a culture that prioritizes respect, consent, and the safety of all individuals.

This ongoing saga serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and justice is far from over.

What are your thoughts on the factors that have contributed to Steven Seagal’s career decline?

Steven Seagal: A Career in Decline?

John Leguizamo, a celebrated actor known for his roles in films like “Moulin Rouge!” and “Chef,” has been outspoken in his criticism of Steven Seagal, a former action movie star whose career has faced significant challenges in recent years. Leguizamo, who co-starred with Seagal in “Out for Justice” and “Executive Decision,” even based his character in the 2022 film “The Menu” on the actor.

Interview with John Leguizamo

Leguizamo recently sat down with Archyde to discuss his views on Seagal and the impact of the actor’s controversies on his career.

Archyde: John, you’ve been very open about your negative experiences with Steven Seagal.Can you elaborate on the reasons behind your criticism?

“I wouldn’t have done it as myself,” Leguizamo told Comic Book. “What am I,going to spoof myself like I’m a failed actor? Hell,no.I wouldn’t have done that. I used Steven Seagal as I hate him.”

Leguizamo recounted an incident on the set of “Executive Decision” where Seagal physically assaulted him, confirming his negative perception of the actor.

Archyde: The character George Diaz in “The Menu” seems inspired by Seagal. Can you tell us more about that creative choice and the message you hoped to convey?

Leguizamo further elaborated on his experiences, explaining that his character in the film “The Menu,” a caricature named George Diaz, was directly inspired by Seagal. “The character is a caricature of someone who’s out of touch,entitled,and believes their own hype,” Leguizamo said.”Its a satirical take on the kind of celebrity culture that often glorifies these problematic behaviors.I wanted to show the dark side of fame and how it can corrupt individuals.”

Archyde: Seagal’s career has seen a decline in recent years with allegations of sexual harassment and his association with Vladimir Putin impacting his public image. What are your thoughts on the factors that have contributed to his downfall?

Seagal’s career has seen a decline in recent years. His last film appearance was in 2021, and his public image has been tarnished by numerous allegations and controversies.

the actor’s interest in Russian President vladimir Putin has also drawn scrutiny. Seagal was granted Russian citizenship in 2016, and his association with Putin has been widely criticized.

Even “Saturday Night Live,” which famously parodied Seagal’s acting style in the early 1990s, took another jab at him in 2025 during a promo featuring Dave Chappelle’s return as host.

Leguizamo commented on these factors, stating, “Frankly, I think it’s a combination of things. The allegations of sexual harassment are serious and should never be ignored. As for his ties to Putin, it casts a huge shadow over his actions and makes it tough to separate his professional achievements from his personal beliefs, which manny find troubling.”

Archyde: Do you think Steven Seagal has a chance at repairing his damaged reputation?

When asked about Seagal’s potential for redemption, Leguizamo offered a cautious response. “True redemption requires facing one’s actions, taking duty, and making meaningful amends. Whether or not Seagal is willing or able to do that remains to be seen.”