BBC Broadcast Truck Missed Racial Slur at BAFTAs; Regrets Error

The BBC missed a racial slur during live BAFTA coverage on February 22, unlike the previous year's coverage which was more carefully edited.
By Newsroom | Media, Awards |

The BBC has stated it "profoundly regrets" the broadcast of a racial slur during its coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards on February 22. Director-General Tim Davie informed MPs that the offensive language was not muted because no one in the broadcast truck heard it on the live feed. This lapse occurred despite a two-hour delay intended for editing.

broadcast truck oversight

Davie's explanation, delivered in a letter to MPs responding to their inquiries, indicates an internal review found that "no-one in the on-site broadcast truck heard this when they were watching the live feed." The incident has prompted a "fast-tracked investigation" by the BBC's Executive Complaints Unit.

Tim Davie says the BBC ‘profoundly regrets’ racial slur incident at Baftas - 1

iplayer oversight

The BBC is also scrutinizing how the program, featuring the slur, remained accessible on BBC iPlayer for over 12 hours before being taken down and edited. Concern exists within the corporation about the extended duration the unedited content was available.

Tim Davie says the BBC ‘profoundly regrets’ racial slur incident at Baftas - 2

The Slur and its Context

The offensive term was uttered by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, whose condition involves involuntary tics. It was heard as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Both actors appeared to pause briefly after the slur was broadcast.

The Aftermath

The broadcast error overshadowed the awards ceremony, impacting the recognition for new actor Robert Aramayo, who won best actor. The slur's presence on iPlayer persisted even as clips circulated widely on social media. Davidson later expressed that while the slur was symptomatic of his condition, "it should never have been broadcast." He thanked supporters for acknowledging the need for awareness around misunderstood conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the BBC broadcast a racial slur during the BAFTAs on February 22?
The BBC broadcast a racial slur during the BAFTA Film Awards on February 22 because no one in the live broadcast truck heard the offensive language. The BBC has expressed deep regret for this mistake.
Q: What did BBC Director-General Tim Davie say about the BAFTA racial slur?
Tim Davie told MPs that the broadcast truck missed the racial slur because they did not hear it on the live feed. He said the BBC is investigating the incident and has a 'profound regret' about the error.
Q: How long was the racial slur available on BBC iPlayer after the BAFTAs?
The program with the racial slur was available on BBC iPlayer for over 12 hours before it was taken down and edited. The BBC is looking into why it stayed online for so long.
Q: Who said the racial slur during the BAFTA awards broadcast?
The racial slur was said by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson during the BAFTA Film Awards. He was speaking when actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.
Q: What was the impact of the racial slur being broadcast at the BAFTAs?
The broadcast error overshadowed the awards ceremony. John Davidson, who said the slur, later stated it should not have been broadcast and thanked people for understanding his condition.