BBC forced to address Rebel Wilson’s ‘offensive’ Bafta jokes after backlash: ‘This is something we do take seriously’

The BBC has responded to following ’s controversial stint hosting the Bafta awards earlier this month. 

Rebel, 42, hosted the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in , which is the biggest night in British film. 

She quickly poised herself as one of the more memorable presenters in recent years, stealing the show with a variety of outlandish comments. 

With digs ranging aimed at Harry and Meghan, to X-rated quips in the direction of and , she didn’t disappoint in making it a fun evening.

However, some of those tuning into the awards show on the BBC didn’t seem so impressed with her style, as the broadcaster confirmed it received complaints. 

The BBC has since responded and stood by the evening of TV.

In a statement, a spokesperson shared: ‘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.

Rebel kicked things off with a nod to her recent five stone weight loss, coupled up with a dig at Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

She quipped: ‘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.’

Rowling has come under fire for a series of tweets that were deemed to be ‘anti-trans’, telling fans she objected to the phrase ‘people who menstruate’ and said it erased ‘the lived reality of women globally.’

She later defended herself in a passionate essay but has  for her thoughts on trans people and gender

Rebel also couldn’t resist making a dig at Harry and Meghan, who are currently living in the US away from the rest of the Royal Family. 

She said: ‘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.’

Elsewhere, after Emilia Jones, who starred in CODA – a film that shares the story of a child of deaf adults – performed on stage,.

’This is the sign for Putin’ she said, putting up her middle finger – which some Deaf viewers were left angered by.

has contacted Bafta for comment and the BBC declined to comment when approached.