Baftas host Stephen Fry opened the prestigious ceremony with a monologue that included a controversial reference to paedophilia.
The much-admired English comic used Sunday’s date of the event, Valentine’s Day, as a backdrop to his theme.
Baftas host Stephen Fry (Ian West/PA)
He talked about the love in Carol, which centres on the romance between Carol, played by Cate Blanchett, and Therese (Rooney Mara). He also mentioned the love interests in Brooklyn, before continuing with Spotlight, which revolved around a scandal of clerical child sex abuse.
“Love abounds this year in film,” he said. “The love between two women, love between a young Irish girl and an Italian American, love between Catholic priests and … ”
As the star paused here, the audience inside London’s Royal Opera House gasped, but some clapped.
He ended with ” … lawyers”.
Some on Twitter were not amused.
No, Stephen. No
OMG! Awkward Priest joke. #BAFTAs
— Stuart (@StuartJOrr) February 14, 2016
Did @stephenfry just make pedophile joke #BAFTAs pic.twitter.com/iA5PRkQDzC
— Hannah Azalean (@HannahMellissa) February 14, 2016
Hope Stephen Fry doesn't come under too much fire for the Priest jokes #EEBAFTAs #BAFTA
— Esther (@SuperstarE3) February 14, 2016
