Rebel Wilson. You either love her or you hate her and your decision was made clear Sunday night at the BAFTAs when she made an audience-dividing joke about transgender people. While presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor, the 35-year-old Australian comedian said, “I have never been invited to the Oscars, because as you know they are racists, but the BAFTAs have diverse members and that’s what we all want to see in life. Diverse members.”
The Pitch Perfect star then added more controversy by saying, “One day I hope to return here to collect a BAFTA myself. I have already been practicing my transgender face.”
Many took to social media to voice their conflicting views on the joke. Fans showed support her in saying that her comment was mocking non-trans actors winning awards by playing non-trans roles. (e.g. Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl) Haters were quick to criticise her for being insensitive towards the transgender community.
One thing for sure, the transgender issue is a divisive one, particularly when portrayed in the media.
