News|Arts and CultureBBC orders quick investigation into BAFTA broadcast slurBritish broadcaster has apologised for failing to edit out a racial slur shouted by a guest with Tourette syndrome.
The BBC has announced a streamlined investigation into its coverage of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) following an incident involving an uncensored racial slur. The broadcaster, which aired the event on a two-hour delay, revealed the inquiry in…
The BBC has announced a streamlined investigation into its coverage of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) following an incident involving an uncensored racial slur. The broadcaster, which aired the event on a two-hour delay, revealed the inquiry in response to growing public concern.
The racial slur was inadvertently broadcasted when a guest with Tourette syndrome, a motor disorder that can lead to involuntary vocalizations, including inappropriate language, made the remark as two Black actors presented an award. The individual in question, John Davidson, is an activist and the real-life inspiration for a BAFTA-nominated film titled I Swear , which aims to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome.
The BBC acknowledged that it was a "serious mistake" not to remove the slur from the broadcast and has tasked its Executive Complaints Unit with conducting a "fast-tracked investigation." A full response to complainants will be provided upon completion.
The broadcaster, which aired the event on a two-hour delay, revealed the inquiry in response to growing public concern.
BBC News reported that producers monitoring the event had removed another racial slur but did not hear the second one. A note from the broadcaster’s content chief, Kate Phillips, stated, "We would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast."
In an unrelated matter, the BBC faced criticism for editing out a portion of a speech by filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr, where he expressed support for "Free Palestine." A BBC spokesperson attributed the edit to time constraints, explaining that similar edits were made to other speeches to ensure the program adhered to its schedule. The spokesperson indicated that all winners' speeches would be accessible via BAFTA’s YouTube channel.
The BBC has previously encountered criticism for its coverage related to Israel and Gaza. In June of the previous year, the broadcaster chose not to air a documentary it commissioned about medical workers in Gaza due to concerns over "partiality," a decision that was contested by over 100 of its journalists. Additionally, the BBC was accused of editing out pro-Palestinian displays during its coverage of the 2023 BAFTA Awards.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.