Bryan Singer removed from 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Bafta nomination amid misconduct allegations

The director had been among those nominated for his work on the Queen biopic

(FILES) In this file photo director Bryan Singer poses on arrival for the premiere of X-Men Apocalypse in central London on May 9, 2016.  "Bohemian Rhapsody" director Bryan Singer on Thursday January 24, 2019 dismissed an article detailing fresh sexual misconduct allegations -- some involving teenage boys -- as a "homophobic smear piece." / AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS
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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) says it is suspending its nomination of director Bryan Singer amid accusations that he sexually assaulted minors.

Singer had been among those nominated for his work on the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which he was fired from in late 2017. Bafta said Wednesday that the organisation considers the alleged behavior unacceptable and incompatible with its values and that Singer has been informed of the suspension.

The Atlantic magazine last month published an exposé detailing the stories of four alleged victims who said they were seduced and molested by the Singer while underage. Singer has denied the allegations.

The film and others nominated for it will remain eligible for Baftas, which will be presented Sunday, February 10.

Working with Singer was 'not pleasant'

Rami Malek attends the 2019 Santa Barbara International Film Festival Outstanding Performer of the Year Tribute at the The Arlington Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2019, in Santa Barbara, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Actor Rami Malek says at 2019 Santa Barbara International Film Festival that working with Singer was 'not pleasant' . AP

Rami Malek, the actor nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury on the Queen biopic, said this week that working with Singer was "not pleasant".

Malek said at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: "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 film earned five Academy Award nominations, including Malek's best actor nod.

Asked at the film festival about sexual abuse allegations against Singer, which were not cited as the reason for Singer's firing, Malek said his heart goes out to all victims of such abuse.

In previous interviews, Malek has said he had "creative differences" with Singer and "it was a tumultuous set".