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BBC issues apology over unedited racial slur in Bafta coverage
The BBC has apologised after failing to edit out a racial slur shouted by a guest with Tourette's syndrome during its broadcast of the Bafta Film Awards. The incident occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award on Sunday.
What happened during the broadcast
John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner and the inspiration behind the film I Swear, shouted the N-word while Jordan and Lindo were on stage. The remark was audible in the BBC One broadcast, which aired on a two-hour delay, and remained on BBC iPlayer until Monday morning, when the ceremony was removed.
A BBC spokesperson stated: "We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
Reactions and criticism
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called the oversight a "horrible mistake" during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. She emphasised the need for an explanation, saying: "I think an apology is important, they need to explain why it wasn't bleeped out."
The BBC acknowledged in its statement that some viewers may have heard "strong and offensive language" but clarified that the outburst stemmed from involuntary tics associated with Tourette's syndrome. The condition was addressed during the ceremony, with the broadcaster noting that the slur was unintentional.
Responses from the film industry
Hannah Beachler, the production designer for Sinners, described the situation as "almost impossible" in a post on X. She revealed that Davidson had used the slur three times that night, including once directed at her after the show. While she acknowledged the complexity of the issue, she criticised the ceremony's closing apology as insufficient, stating: "Of course we were offended."
Wendell Pierce, Jordan's former co-star on The Wire, expressed frustration on social media, arguing that the priority should have been a "complete and full-throated" apology to Lindo and Jordan. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx also weighed in, calling the slur "unacceptable" in a comment on Instagram.
Understanding Tourette's syndrome
Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. According to the charity Tourette's Action, between 10% and 30% of people with the condition experience coprolalia-tics that involve socially unacceptable words, including swearing.
Pippa McClounan, communications manager for Tourette's Action, told BBC News: "It's vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette's syndrome: the tics are involuntary and do not reflect the person's thoughts or beliefs. It's a neurological condition, not a choice."
McClounan added that such incidents highlight the daily challenges faced by individuals like Davidson, who was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his advocacy work. She encouraged viewers to watch I Swear to better understand the experiences of those living with the condition.
Host's remarks and film context
During the ceremony, host Alan Cumming addressed the incident, explaining that the offensive language was a result of Tourette's syndrome, a disability that causes involuntary tics. He apologised to any offended viewers but framed the outburst as unintentional.
Robert Aramayo, who won best actor for his portrayal of Davidson in I Swear, later told BBC News: "They're tics. He is ticking, and we have to understand that the way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility. It's not shouting obscenities; it's not being abusive-it's Tourette's."
Aramayo, who also received the Baftas' Rising Star prize, expressed hope that the film could foster greater understanding of the condition. I Swear, which follows Davidson's struggle growing up with Tourette's in 1980s Scotland, also won the award for best casting.
Davidson's departure and broader implications
Davidson left the ceremony partway through, reportedly of his own accord. The incident has sparked broader discussions about how to balance awareness of Tourette's syndrome with the impact of offensive language, particularly in high-profile settings.
