Bafta has suspended director Bryan Singer’s nomination for Bohemian Rhapsody amid growing controversy over sexual assault claims.
The Freddie Mercury biopic is one of the movies in the running to be named Outstanding British Film at the awards ceremony, which takes place this Sunday.
Singer was one of the three creatives named in the nomination, along with the film’s producer Graham King and screenwriter Anthony McCarten.
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However, the academy has now announced that “in light of recent very serious allegations” Singer’s nomination has been suspended, “effective immediately”.
Bohemian Rhapsody will remain in the running for Outstanding British Film, “and the other individuals named as candidates in respect of the film remain nominees”, the academy said.
The film’s other six nominations, which include Best Actor for Rami Malek, are also unaffected by Singer’s suspension.
Singer left the production three weeks before filming was completed over unrelated issues, and was replaced by Brit Dexter Fletcher. However, union rules dictate that only one director or directorial team can receive credit for the finished film, meaning only Singer is eligible for awards nominations.
The 53-year-old director, who has previously helmed hits like X-Men and The Usual Suspects, “has been devilled by accusations of sexual misconduct since he first rose to fame over 20 years ago”, says The Daily Telegraph, including some involving underage boys.
Most recently, “four men alleged they were sexually assaulted by Singer while they were under-age, in an article in US publication The Atlantic”, Sky News reports.
Singer “categorically” rejected the claims made in the article, which he called a “homophobic smear piece”.
In its statement, Bafta said that Singer’s alleged behaviour was “completely unacceptable and incompatible” with its values, but suggested that their decision could be reversed if he is cleared of wrongdoing.
“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,” the academy said.