THE BBC have been forced to apologise following a flurry of complaints about Rebel Wilson’s jokes at the BAFTA awards last week.
The 42-year-old shocked viewers with a series of gags mocking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and made X-rated jokes about Benedict Cumberbatch and James Bond star Daniel Craig.
In response to unhappy fans, the BBC said: “Comedy is one of the most subjective areas of programming and views will always differ on what’s acceptable, and what’s appropriate at different times of the day.
“It’s never our intention to offend viewers and we always think very carefully about what we broadcast to ensure that it isn’t outside of the expectations of the majority of the audience. We acknowledge that not everyone will agree with the decisions we take but this is something we do take seriously.”
During the show, Rebel’s rudest jokes were cut from the broadcast, including one about her 007 tattoo.
Rebel pointed at the inking of his face on her leg and said: “It looks like the word loo, but I know which I would rather sit on … “
Elsewhere she quipped: “I was going to do a musical number as host, it was about Prince Andrew though. It wasn’t what you think.
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“It was on roller skates. It was called Pizza Express. But don’t worry, I’m not going to do it.”
The shamed royal claimed to have attended a Pizza Express birthday party as an alibi in his sex assault case which was settled out of court.
In a swipe at Prince Harry and wife Meghan, Rebel joked: “Our next package is for Outstanding British film. From drama to horror to fantasy, Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah had it all … unfortunately that is not nominated in this category.”
Signalling to Ukraine, she explained that a performance from CODA actress Emilia, 20, would be signed for deaf viewers, before adding: “This is the sign for Putin” and putting up her middle finger.
She also mocked Harry Potter author JK for her comments about the transgender community, using her five stone weight loss to get there.
Rebel told the room of stars: “I might look a little different from the last time you guys saw me here.
“That was two years ago and since then I have done quite a transformation. I hope JK Rowling still approves.”
Sherlock star Benedict, who was in the audience with wife Sophie Hunter, was left blushing when Rebel rounded on him.
She brought out a birthday cake with his face on it and presenting it to him. She told the audience: “Does anyone have a lighter? I just thought someone could blow Benedict … out.”
Rebel also called out Sir Kenneth Branagh, for not dropping Armie Hammer from his new film Death On The Nile – despite a sexual assault allegation which saw him removed from other titles.
The crowd nervously laughed as Rebel mocked: “Sir Kenneth Branagh is here. The only director not afraid to give Armie Hammer a job. And just as exciting ? the sandworm from Dune is here … “
She also poked fun at the pandemic, saying: “The Batman is set to become the biggest film post-pandemic, which I think is a bit ironic as one man and a bat started everything … “
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson was picked out in Rebel’s closing speech in a reference to the Downing Street lockdown parties saga.
Grinning, she said: “I can’t wait for the afterparty, I think it’s going to go off. It’s at Ten Downing Street. Boris just texted me.”
