Warner Bros. Asked That BAFTA Racial Slur Be Cut From Broadcast

Variety

by Alex Ritman

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Warner Bros., the studio behind the film *Sinners*, took immediate action after John Davidson used the N-word during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, sparking widespread outrage. According to a source close to Variety, Warner Bros. executives contacted BAFTA shortly after the incident occurred while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. The studio requested that the slur be removed from the BBC’s delayed broadcast of the event. Despite these efforts, the broadcast aired with the racial slur intact, further fueling public anger. This decision has been questioned, as the source claims Warner Bros. was assured their request had been relayed to BAFTA. The incident occurred during a pivotal moment in the ceremony when Jordan and Lindo were on stage. Davidson’s outburst, which appeared to be related to Tourette’s syndrome, was audible in the venue but not immediately communicated to the producers of the TV show. This has led to confusion about how such an explicit remark could go unnoticed until after it aired. The BBC later issued an apology, claiming they had been unaware of the slur until after its broadcast. However, this explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given Warner Bros.’s prompt intervention. BAFTA responded by issuing a statement, taking full responsibility for the situation and apologizing to Jordan and Lindo for putting them in an uncomfortable position. The organization acknowledged their guests’ dignity and professionalism during the ordeal. The handling of the incident has raised questions about the management of live events and the importance of addressing such issues promptly to avoid further harm to participants and audiences. This controversy highlights the challenges of managing high-profile entertainment events, particularly when sensitive topics like race are involved. It underscores the need for better communication protocols and a more inclusive approach to ensure that

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/24/2026