BBC edited another racial slur out of Bafta ceremony
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The BBC faced criticism after failing to edit out a racial slur during the Baftas ceremony broadcast. While one instance of offensive language was intentionally removed by editors, another slipped through due to an oversight. John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted the N-word during the event, which aired live on BBC One despite pre warnings about potential involuntary verbal tics. The BBC's chief content officer, Kate Phillips, apologized, acknowledging the distress caused and confirming that the edit team had removed other slurs but missed this particular instance.
The slur was shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Many viewers struggled to hear it clearly, but it remained audible in the broadcast. Phillips explained that the producers overseeing the ceremony from a TV truck did not hear the slur at the time and thus failed to edit it out. She emphasized that such language is rare on BBC programs, typically requiring sign-off from a channel controller before airing.
Bafta also issued an apology, acknowledging the harm caused and apologizing unreservedly to those affected, including Jordan and Lindo. The organization expressed gratitude for their professionalism during the incident. Davidson himself later stated he was deeply mortified by the unintended impact of his tics and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Tourette's community.
The incident highlights issues of media responsibility and sensitivity, particularly in handling content involving individuals with medical conditions like Tourette syndrome. It underscores the importance of careful oversight during live broadcasts to prevent such errors, which can have significant consequences for both audiences and those involved in the event. The BBC and Bafta are now reviewing their procedures to avoid similar incidents in the future, ensuring greater care is taken to uphold standards of diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026