Matthew Perry.Photo:David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has responded to online backlash overMatthew Perry’s absence from the2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards’ In Memoriam segment on Sunday.
On X (formerly Twitter), users called out BAFTA for the perceived omission, which onedubbed“bad form” alongside a GIF of Perry’sFriendscharacter, Chandler Bing, saying, “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Others simply sought an explanation,writing, “Why wasn’t [Matthew Perry] included in the memorial sequence???”
Responding to Perry’s absence from the tribute, a spokesperson for BAFTA tells PEOPLE, “I can confirm Matthew Perry will be remembered in our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards.”
Matthew Perry as Chandler on ‘Friends.'.Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Several users remained frustrated with Perry’s absence from the awards ceremony, however, pointing out that while he was best known for hisFriendsrole, Perry also starred in many films throughout his acting career.
“But he was a film actor too!” one userwrotein response to the academy’s statement.
Anotheradded, “Matthew Perry made plenty of films … That was a poor decision,” and cited 2000’sThe Whole Nine Yards.
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PerrydiedSaturday, Oct. 28 at his Los Angeles home. Hiscause of deathwas later determined to be due to acute effects of ketamine, with other contributing factors.
The actor was recentlyincluded in the In Memoriamsegment during the 2023 Emmy Awards last month. Perry’s image was shown asCharlie Puthperformed his 2015 hit, “See You Again,” transitioned into theFriendstheme song,“I’ll Be There for You.”
The 2024 BAFTA Awards were held at the Royal Festival Hall in London and streamed on BritBox in the U.S. on a tape delay.
source: people.com
