BAFTA Nomination For Bohemian Rhapsody's Director Bryan Singer Suspended

The film-maker Bryan Singer was originally named on the list of nominees for BAFTAs outstanding British film category for the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. However, the academy has stated that his nomination has been suspended "effective immediately".

The British Academy’s decision was made after an extensive report published by The Atlantic revealed that four men have accused Singer of pursuing sexual relations with them in the late 1990s, allegedly when they were all minors.

Bafta said in a statement:

"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."

Singer has vehemently denied the allegations, calling the Atlantic article a “homophobic smear piece” in a statement released by his representatives, via Deadline.

The British Academy recognised Singer’s claim but continued to stick by its decision to suspend the 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 also expressed that it will make no further statement concerning the matter during the period of suspension.

The LGBTQ media-monitoring organisation GLAAD also removed Bohemian Rhapsody from its list of nominees in the Outstanding Film - Wide Release category in January.

The article from The Atlantic revealing the allegations against Singer was published just one day after Bohemian Rhapsody received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek's portrayal of Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury.

Although Singer is credited as the director for the film, he was fired from Bohemian Rhapsody by the movie's production company 20th Century Fox. The decision was made several weeks before production was completed on the premise of Singer's repeated absences which hindered the entire process.

Just before letting Singer go, Fox released a tense statement on Dec. 1, saying, “Twentieth Century Fox Film has temporarily halted production on Bohemian Rhapsody due to the unexpected unavailability of Bryan Singer.”

Dexter Fletcher stepped in to replace Singer shortly thereafter.

The 2019 BAFTA Film Awards will take place at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.