BAFTA Clarifies Matthew Perry's In Memoriam Omission After Backlash: 'He Will Be Remembered In...'

Matthew Perry’s fans were upset when he wasn’t included in the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards’ In Memoriam segment, leading to backlash against BAFTA on social media.

After Matthew Perry’s death in October last year at 54, his absence from the tribute at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, set to a rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time by Hannah Waddingham from Ted Lasso, sparked criticism on social media, according to PEOPLE. Users on platforms like X called out BAFTA for the omission, with one labeling it “bad form” and sharing a GIF of Perry’s “Friends” character, Chandler Bing, with the caption, “You can’t make this stuff up.” Another user questioned, “Matthew Perry. Shocking omission!” “Matthew Perry starred in FILMS. Also wrote scripts & did production work,” read another comment.

BAFTA has issued a response to the backlash on social media. Addressing Matthew’s exclusion from the tribute, a BAFTA spokesperson informed PEOPLE, “I can confirm Matthew Perry will be remembered in our forthcoming BAFTA Television Awards.”

On X, BAFTA reiterated this announcement, stating, “Matthew Perry will be remembered in this year’s TV Awards ceremony,” as reported by PEOPLE.

“Friends” sitcom star Matthew Perry died from an accidental ketamine overdose, US medical examiners said, following the investigation into his death. Perry, 54, was found unconscious in a swimming pool at his house in Los Angeles in October.

He had struggled for decades with addiction to drugs, including ketamine, and related serious health issues, but had reportedly been clean for over a year before his passing. Perry’s sudden passing drew shocked reactions from Hollywood A-listers, his co-stars, and “Friends” fans worldwide. The TV show Friends, which followed the lives of six New Yorkers navigating adulthood, dating and careers, drew a massive global following.