With just days to go until the ceremony, Bryan Singer’s name has been scrubbed entirely from the BAFTA Awards, despite Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody having received seven nominations.
Following recent allegations in an exposé in The Atlantic accusing Singer of having sex with underage boys, the director has been removed from the one category in which he was mentioned by name, outstanding British film.
“In light of recent very serious allegations, BAFTA has informed Bryan Singer that his nomination for Bohemian Rhapsody has been suspended, effective immediately,” BAFTA said Wednesday in a statement, adding that the names of producer Graham King and writer Anthony McCarten would remain.
“BAFTA considers the alleged behavior completely unacceptable and incompatible with its values. This has led to Mr Singer’s suspended nomination. BAFTA notes Mr Singer’s denial of the allegations. The suspension of his nomination will therefore remain in place until the outcome of the allegations has been resolved. BAFTA believes everyone has the right to a fulfilling career in a safe, professional working environment, and it will continue to collaborate with the film, games and television industries to achieve this.”
A spokesperson for Fox later added: “We fully support BAFTA’s decision.”
Bohemian Rhapsody was also nominated for best film, although in this case it is the producers who are named. Elsewhere, it earned a best actor nomination for Rami Malek and was shortlisted in the cinematography, editing, makeup and hair and sound categories.
The decision from BAFTA comes after GLAAD confirmed that it has removed the movie from its nominees for outstanding film — wide release.
Singer didn’t direct the entire production of Bohemian Rhapsody, exiting after reported clashes with producers followed by claims that he was leaving his duties to care for his mother, who was ill. He was replaced by Dexter Fletcher with three weeks of filming still to go.
Despite this, the film has gone on to awards season acclaim, picking up Oscar nominations for best picture and best performance by an actor in a leading role for Malek, plus film editing, sound editing and sound mixing mentions. These came after a Golden Globe win for best picture — drama.
