BBC says racial slur at Baftas was 'serious mistake' and fast-tracks investigation
BBC World
February 25, 2026
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The BBC has described the broadcast of a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards as a "serious mistake" and has instructed its Executive Complaints Unit to fast-track an investigation. The incident occurred when John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome, shouted the slur while black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage. The BBC acknowledged the harm caused and apologized, emphasizing that it takes full responsibility for the oversight. The racial slur was audible to viewers at home, despite being broadcast on a two-hour delay.
Davidson, who has Tourette's, explained that he had struggled with involuntary verbal tics throughout his life. He questioned why he was seated near a microphone during the event, which contributed to the incident. The BBC revealed that producers editing the ceremony did not hear the slur due to being in a TV truck and were unaware of its broadcast. The corporation has since removed the Bafta Film Awards from iPlayer and issued multiple apologies.
The incident has raised concerns about the BBC's systems for preventing such mistakes. It also highlights similarities with past controversies, such as Bob Vylan's performance at Glastonbury, where antisemitic remarks were streamed by the BBC. The Commons culture committee has asked why lessons from previous scandals were not applied to prevent this incident and what steps are being taken to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
Bafta acknowledged the harm caused by the slur and apologized for its broadcast. The organization is conducting a comprehensive review of its procedures to ensure such incidents do not happen again. Davidson, who executive produced the film *I Swear*—based on his life story of living with Tourette's—emphasized that he had as much right to attend the event as anyone else but acknowledged the challenges posed by
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026