After Recent Allegations, BAFTA Suspends Bryan Singer’s Bohemian Rhapsody Nomination
Jorge Arenas
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The British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) suspended Bryan Singer’s nomination for the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody after new allegations of sexual abuse emerged.
On February 6th, BAFTA released a statement concerning Singer’s suspension from the nomination noting the alleged behavior is “completely unacceptable and incompatible” with BAFTA’s values.
“In light of recent very serious allegations, BAFTA has informed Bryan Singer that his nomination for Bohemian Rhapsody has been suspended, effective immediately.
BAFTA considers the alleged behaviour 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.
For the avoidance of doubt, Bohemian Rhapsody remains nominated in the Outstanding British Film category, and the other individuals named as candidates in respect of the film remain nominees.
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.
BAFTA will make no further statement on this matter during the period of suspension.”
The statement does make it clear that they only suspended Bryan Singer stating that “Bohemian Rhapsody remains nominated in the Outstanding British Film category, and the other individuals named as candidates in respect of the film remain nominees.”
They also leave the door open to Singer being recognized for the film depending on the “outcome of the allegations.”
A month ago, The Atlantic Magazine published a story that detailed alleged abuse from four individuals who claim the director seduced and molested them while they were underage. Singer denied the allegations.
“Again, I am forced to reiterate that this story rehashes claims from bogus lawsuits filed by a disreputable cast of individuals willing to lie for money or attention. And it is no surprise that, with [easyazon_link identifier=”B07MXN684H” locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Bohemian Rhapsody[/easyazon_link] being an award-winning hit, this homophobic smear piece has been conveniently timed to take advantage of its success.”
A similar article was expected to run in Esquire, but Singer denounced the story before it made it to press.
Allegations like this are no stranger to Singer, the director was sued last December by a person who claims Singer victimized him when he was underage.
Following the allegations, there were reports of Singer being blackballed by a number of Hollywood Studios. However Millennium Films and Avi Lerner stood by Singer, who is expected to direct the upcoming Red Sonja film.
Lerner would describe the article in the Atlantic as “fake news.”
“The over $800 million ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ has grossed, making it the highest grossing drama in film history, is testament to his remarkable vision and acumen. I know the difference between agenda driven fake news and reality, and I am very comfortable with this decision. In America people are innocent until proven guilty.”
He would later clarify his statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I don’t want to apologize. I just want to clarify [the statement]. I think victims should be heard and this allegation should be taken very, very seriously. I just don’t agree to judge by the Twitter. I want [the accused] to be judged by the court.”
What do you think of the suspension by the British Academy Of Film and Television Arts? Was it fair? Or did someone lose out without the ability to defend oneself in court? Let me know your thoughts below.
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