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7 September 2017 2:29 AM

Rebel Wilson courts controversy at BAFTAs with ‘racist’ and ‘transgender face’ jokes

By Will Stroude

Revel Wilson has ensured her face has appeared next to most of this morning’s BAFTA headlines after delivering a racy speech that’s seen her branded everything from the “best part of the night” to an out-and-out racist who needs a “pop in the mouth”.

While presenting the Best Supporting Actor award, the Australian actress made reference to the Oscars diversity scandal, compared Idris Elba to “chocolate on Valentine’s Day” and highlighted the awards-fodder nature of transgender roles.

“It is so great to be here at this serious event. I have never been invited to the Oscars, because as we all know they are racist,” Wilson told the audience. “But the BAFTA have diverse members, and that’s what we all want in life isn’t it? Diverse members.

“I hope one day to return here and win a BAFTA. I am already practising my transgender face,” she continued.

Wilson continued: “I’m sorry, Idris Elba, I’m really nervous. I’m just sociologically programmed to want chocolate on Valentine’s Day.”

The speech certainly had most of the audience laughing – though while Idris chuckled himself at the ‘chocolate’ joke, he did raise a finger to his lips in a ‘Shhh’ gesture immediately after. Viewers at home, it seemed, we more divided…

Wilson appeared unperturbed by any criticism in the hours after the show, however, tweeting that she’d had an “amazing time”.

More stories: Justin Bieber gets his bod out on Instagram during rehearsal session Australian Prime Minister’s Valentine’s message sparks gay marriage row

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