Bryan Singer's BAFTA nomination is suspended in the wake of sexual abuse allegations

BAFTA has removed Bryan Singer’s nomination at this year’s awards, following the allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct against him.

The director was nominated in the Outstanding British Film category for Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, along with producer Graham King and the film’s screenwriter Anthony McCarten.

In a statement, the Academy said: “In light of recent very serious allegations, BAFTA has informed Bryan Singer that his nomination for Bohemian Rhapsody has been suspended, effective immediately.”

However, it added that King and McCarten are still eligible for the award.

The statement went on: “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.”

In an article published in The Atlantic, Singer was accused by two men of sexual abuse when they were both underage.

Singer has been accused of sexual misconduct by a number of other men in recent years, however Singer denounced these new claims as ‘a homophobic smear’.

The Usual Suspects helmsman was fired from the movie part way through production, amid accusations of not showing up to set and fall outs with cast and crew.

British director Dexter Fletcher was parachuted in to finish the film, but union rules determined that Singer retained his director credit.

Rami Malek, who plays Queen singer Freddie Mercury in the movie, has previously said that he was unaware of any of the allegations facing Singer when he made the movie.

However, he recently added that his experience of making the movie was ‘not pleasant’.

Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, he told a screening audience: “I’ve sat here and talked about how everyone deserves a voice and anyone who wants to talk about what happened with Bryan deserves to have their voice heard.

“In my situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all. And that’s about what I can say about it at this point.”

The BAFTAS take place this Sunday night (February 10) at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Joanna Lumley.

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