Stan Lee's Appearance At Arizona Coyotes Pregame Cancelled

Marvel visionary Stan Lee's puck drop at an upcoming Arizona Coyotes pregame has been cancelled, AZCentral reports. The cancellation was mutual, according to the hockey organization.

The 95-year-old comic book author and former Marvel editor-in-chief was scheduled to drop the first puck at Friday's game against the Edmonton Oilers.

Allegations against Lee surfaced Tuesday, claiming Lee made inappropriate comments and advances towards several in-house nurses in his Beverly Hills residence.

A statement released by Lee's lawyer, Tom Lallas, categorically denied the "despicable allegations," adding Lee "fully intends to fight to protect his stellar good name and impeccable character."

Lallas said no parties have filed a civil action or filed a police report. According to Lallas, Lee was asked to pay money under threats the accuser will go to the media. The allegations were first reported in tabloid Daily Mail.

Lee's alleged behavior has been described as "vulgar" and "very handsy."

"Various anonymous individuals have attempted to extort money from Mr. Lee based on false allegations, but when we have asked them to identify themselves and provide their full legal names and contact information, they have, not surprisingly, gone radio silent," Lallas wrote in an email received by The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.

It is currently unknown if the sexual misconduct allegations play a part in the decision to cancel Lee's appearance at the Coyotes game.

The comic book icon made headlines earlier this month when police began investigating claims $300,000 had been withdrawn from Lee's bank account without his approval. Lee's team suspects the theft was an inside job.

Recent reports stated $850,000 of Lee's stolen money was used to purchase a condo in West Hollywood.

Lee is still scheduled to appear at Ace Comic Con in Glendale, Arizona, running January 13—15. Lee will appear Saturday and Sunday.

Ace Comic Con will also feature the stars of Marvel Studios' Captain America: Civil War, including Chris Evans (Captain America), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Anthony Mackie (Falcon), Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), and Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter).

Fans expressed a mixture of disbelief and disappointment towards news of Lee's alleged sexual misconduct in reactions that hit the Internet Tuesday.

Lee, who makes cameo appearances in all Marvel Studios productions, will next appear in Black Panther in a yet-to-be-revealed role.

Lee co-created the character with comic book veteran Jack Kirby. Black Panther, starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Andy Serkis, opens February 16.