BBC criticised for nixing ‘Free Palestine’ tribute from BAFTA coverage
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The BBC has faced criticism for editing out controversial content from its coverage of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). Award-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., who won for his film *My Father’s Shadow*, delivered a speech expressing solidarity with those under occupation, persecution, and genocide. During his acceptance speech, he concluded with “Free Palestine,” a phrase that was omitted from the BBC’s delayed broadcast. This decision has sparked accusations of censorship and drawn condemnation from rights groups like Amnesty International, which called the move “shameful.”
The controversy was further fueled when a racial slur was audible during the same broadcast, shouted by an audience member with Tourette syndrome as presenters announced an award for best visual effects. The BBC later apologized for not omitting this offensive language and removed it from the streaming version of the show. While the broadcaster acknowledged that the outburst was involuntary and associated with Tourette syndrome, critics argue that both incidents highlight a pattern of selective editing in its coverage.
This isn’t the first time the BBC has faced backlash over its handling of content related to Palestine. In 2023, it was accused of removing pro-Palestinian statements during BAFTA coverage, including calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Earlier last year, the network also opted not to air a documentary about medical workers in Gaza due to concerns about “partiality,” despite internal pushback from over 100 journalists.
The BBC’s decisions have raised questions about its editorial policies and impartiality, particularly regarding coverage of conflicts involving Israel and Palestine. Critics argue that such omissions and edits can perpetuate biases and silence marginalized voices, including those advocating for Palestinian rights. This controversy underscores the broader debate around media representation, censorship, and accountability in global news reporting.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026