The BAFTA awards has suspended the nomination for Bryan Singer for his work on the film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the British Academy announced Wednesday.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was nominated for seven awards, and Singer’s name was listed along with producer Graham King and writer Anthony McCarten for its nomination for Outstanding British Film. King and McCarten’s names will still be listed as nominees for the 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 in a statement. “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.”
Singer was accused by five men of either seducing them or rape when they were underage boys in a piece published in January by The Atlantic. Singer said in a statement that the article was a “homophobic smear piece.”
GLAAD also announced following The Atlantic article that “Bohemian Rhapsody” would not be up for consideration for its annual media awards.
Singer was fired from “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Fox weeks before the film completed shooting due to Singer’s “unexpected unavailability” and later closed his offices on their lot. Singer said he was fired because the studio would not give him time to care for a sick parent.
Read the full statement via BAFTA below:
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.