Bridesmaids star Rebel Wilson stirs controversy with jokes about 'practising my transgender face' at BAFTAs

'The BAFTAs have diverse members and thats what we all want to see in life isn’t it'

Australian actress Rebel Wilson has stirred up controversy after joking she had been practising her "transgender face” to win a Bafta.

The star widely known for her roles in Picture Perfect and Bridesmaids jokingly addressed the BAFTA’s diversity requirements and lack of diversity within the Oscar nominations while presenting the best supporting actor Bafta award at last night’s ceremony.

“I have never been invited to the Oscars. Because as you know they are racists," she said.

“But the BAFTAs have diverse members and that's what we all want to see in life isn’t it – diverse members.

”One day I hope to return here to win a Bafta myself. I have already been practicing my transgender face."

She continued by jokingly referring to Idris Elba as “chocolate”.

“Sorry, Idris Elba you’re making me a bit nervous. I’m just sociologically programmed to want chocolate on Valentine’s Day.”

Wilson's quips caused mixed reactions on social media, with some labelling her remarks as “transphobic”.

However, others have been more complimentary about her quip.

BAFTA themselves also highlighted her jokes, while others called for Wilson to be chosen to present the ceremony in 2017.

This isn’t the first time the Sydney-born star has provoked controversy with ceremony jokes - in September last year she was criticised by black activists for joking about police "injustice" at the MTV Video Music Awards.