BBC orders rapid review following BAFTAs slur incident

LONDON: The BBC has launched a rapid review after a racial slur was accidentally broadcast during the BAFTA Awards.

During Sunday night’s ceremony in London, John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome whose life inspired the film I Swear, shouted a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The BBC aired the awards show roughly two hours later, but the offensive language was not edited out and remained available on its streaming platform until the following morning.

Davidson explained that his condition causes involuntary vocal outbursts and said he was “mortified” if anyone interpreted his tics as intentional.

Describing the incident as a “serious mistake,” the BBC confirmed that its Director-General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to conduct a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.

BAFTA also apologised to the actors involved, taking full responsibility for the lapse during the live ceremony.