Legendary gay director John Waters was briefly hospitalized after an automobile accident on Tuesday morning in Baltimore County, Maryland. The hospital released him by the early afternoon after finding that he had sustained no serious injuries.
In a short statement, the 78-year-old filmmaker offered only one additional detail about the accident — he has not yet been found at fault for the collision. While his message reassured fans of his well-being, he also mentioned feeling some physical pain.
“Since it hurts when I laugh I will have no witty answer about being in [an] … accident that no one has said was my fault,” he said. “Hope you understand. I’m released from the hospital and all is ok.”
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Waters’ most beloved films include Hairspray, Pink Flamingos, and Serial Mom, as well as his earlier cult classics like Female Trouble, Polyester, and Multiple Maniacs. His films often feature deranged criminal outcasts who angrily (and hilariously) reject mainstream suburban niceties. Waters is also known for making cameo appearances in his own movies.
Waters is currently working on a film adaptation of his 2022 novel, Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad Romance. The fictional novel follows Marsha Sprinkle, an airport suitcase thief, and her accomplice Daryl, who has genitals that can talk. The two criminals run from the law and wreak havoc along the way. Bisexual actress Aubrey Plaza will play the role of Sprinkle, and Waters will write and direct the film.
Waters has also been touring nationally in stand-up comedy-style shows that include humorous stories and Q&As with audience members.
In 2023, Waters received the 2,763rd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Along with his star’s unveiling, the Academy of Motion Pictures Museum hosted a career retrospective entitled “John Waters: Pope of Trash.”
“John Waters has been a huge part of pop culture for many years,” said Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “As a director, he has created some of our historic and favorite film moments and we’re thrilled to welcome him to our landmark location for this well-deserved and permanent tribute.”
At a press conference for the museum’s retrospective, Waters joked, “I’m so respectable I could puke.”
