The BBC has launched a fast-tracked internal investigation after a racial slur was broadcast during the 79th BAFTA ceremony despite a two-hour delay between filming and transmission. The broadcaster called the incident a “serious mistake” and confirmed that its Executive Complaints Unit will review how the remark was aired and later remained available on iPlayer until the following morning.
BBC BAFTA racial slur investigation and political reaction
Director-General Tim Davie has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to complete a swift inquiry and respond directly to viewers. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed the decision and described the broadcast of the slur as “completely unacceptable and harmful. ”
The incident occurred while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, who inspired one of the winning films, shouted the N-word during the ceremony. He later said he was “deeply mortified” and attributed the outburst to an involuntary tic linked to Tourette’s syndrome.
Reports suggest Warner Bros. raised immediate concerns and requested that the slur be removed.
However, it remained in the final broadcast. The controversy follows earlier criticism of the BBC’s Glastonbury Festival coverage, when a livestream of punk rap duo Bob Vylan included an anti-Israel chant. The broadcaster later apologized and said it would stop live-streaming performances considered “high risk. ”
John Davidson explains Tourette’s response in an interview
After the ceremony, Davidson spoke to Variety about what happened. He said his vocal tics disrupted the event and clarified that the offensive language was not intentional. He stressed that his tics “have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. ”
He acknowledged that one of the words uttered was a racial slur and said he understands its historical and modern impact. At the same time, he explained that he ticked “perhaps 10 different offensive words” during the evening and that focusing on a single term created a misleading picture.
“What you’re hearing is a symptom — not my character, not my thought, not my belief,” he told Variety.
Davidson’s team confirmed that he has contacted the studio behind ‘Sinners’ to apologize directly to Jordan, Lindo and production designer Hannah Beachler. BBC said it has ordered an urgent probe as scrutiny from political and industry leaders continues.
