Judge Lets Bryan Singer's Accuser Drop Lawsuit

Bryan Singer

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By Associated Press

08/28/2014 AT 07:25 AM EDT

A former child model can dismiss his lawsuit that accused X-Men director Bryan Singer of sex abuse in Hawaii, but he has the option to re-file it later, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

Michael Egan III said in a previous court filing that he wanted to dismiss the lawsuit, not because it lacks merit, but because he can't find a new lawyer to represent him. Singer sought to have the case dismissed with prejudice, meaning it couldn't be re-filed, with attorney costs and fees imposed against Egan.

U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway denied Singer's request, saying he didn't prove that Egan's voluntary dismissal would damage the director's reputation, and that the money spent defending himself doesn't constitute legal prejudice.

"Any alleged damage to defendant's reputation may well be ameliorated by plaintiff's voluntary dismissal of the action," her order said.

Singer's attorneys couldn't immediately be reached for comment. An attorney, who Egan has said is advising him, but is not legally representing him, didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Egan, 31, accused Singer of sexually abusing him during trips to Hawaii in 1999, when Egan was 17. Singer has denied the allegations.