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The BBC has issued multiple apologies after a racial slur was broadcast during its coverage of the 2026 Bafta Film Awards. The incident, which occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award, involved a member of the audience with Tourette’s syndrome involuntarily shouting the slur. The fallout has sparked criticism of the BBC’s handling of the situation, with questions raised about why the offensive language wasn’t edited out of the broadcast and removed from BBC iPlayer promptly.
The incident centers around John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome whose life story inspired the film I Swear, which was nominated for several awards. According to reports, Davidson shouted the slur while Jordan and Lindo were onstage. The BBC initially allowed the moment to air, and it remained available on BBC iPlayer for several hours before being removed. This delay fueled the controversy, prompting a swift response from political figures and public outcry.
Producers Claim They Didn’t Hear the Slur
Adding another layer to the situation, BBC producers overseeing the Bafta coverage stated they did not hear the racial slur at the time it was uttered. The producers were reportedly working remotely from a truck during the ceremony, and the incident was missed during the live editing process. Several other instances of inappropriate language were reportedly cut from the broadcast, but this particular moment slipped through. This explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given the sensitive nature of the language and the high profile of the event. The Guardian reported on the producers’ explanation, highlighting the confusion surrounding the oversight.
Political and Public Reaction
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was quick to criticize the BBC, calling the failure to edit out the slur a “horrible mistake.” Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Badenoch stated, “It should have been bleeped…the BBC made a mistake.” She similarly pointed out that other language, including comments relating to Palestine, had been edited out, raising questions about the consistency of the BBC’s editorial decisions. Badenoch’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) further amplified the public debate.
Actors Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce also expressed their dismay. Foxx called the incident “unacceptable,” while Pierce criticized the initial response, arguing that the priority should have been a full apology to Lindo and Jordan. Hannah Beachler, the production designer for Sinners, shared on social media that she too had been subjected to racial slurs and criticized Bafta’s apology as “throwaway.”
Statements from Bafta and Tourette’s Action
Bafta released a statement acknowledging the “harm this has caused” and taking “full responsibility for putting our guests in a exceptionally difficult situation.” The organization pledged to learn from the incident and prioritize inclusion in future events. The BBC’s apology acknowledged that the language arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional, but reiterated their regret that it was not edited out.
Tourettes Action also released a statement addressing the negative comments surrounding Davidson’s tics, emphasizing that tics are involuntary neurological symptoms and not reflective of a person’s beliefs. Davidson himself expressed his mortification at the distress caused by his tics and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Tourette’s community.
What’s Next?
The BBC has re-edited the Bafta coverage for on-demand viewing, removing the offensive language. The incident has prompted a wider conversation about the challenges of broadcasting live events and the demand for sensitivity when dealing with individuals with disabilities. While Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo have not yet issued official statements, Vanity Fair reported that Lindo expressed a desire for a direct apology from Bafta to the actors involved. The focus now shifts to how broadcasting organizations will navigate similar situations in the future and ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
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