BBC Issues New Apology for Baftas N-Word Broadcast, Takes Show Off iPlayer for Re-Editing
The BBC has issued a renewed apology for its handling of an incident at the Bafta film awards where the N-word was broadcast during BBC One coverage and remained on BBC iPlayer overnight. The corporation has now removed the show from the iPlayer platform and announced it will re-edit the content following growing criticism and public outcry.
Involuntary Tics from Tourette Syndrome Spark Controversy
In a statement, the BBC addressed the situation, stating: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta film awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer." The incident involved Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, who attended the awards as the film I Swear, inspired by his life dealing with hostility from TS, was nominated for several awards.
During the ceremony, Davidson was heard shouting multiple times, including uttering the N-word while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage presenting the first prize. Baftas host Alan Cumming made announcements to explain the context, emphasizing that Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics are involuntary, with no control over language. He apologized to anyone offended by the incident.
Backlash from Industry Figures and Unresolved Editing Questions
Prominent figures in the entertainment industry have expressed dismay over the handling of the incident. Actor Jamie Foxx called it "unacceptable", while Wendell Pierce criticized the initial response, stating: "It's infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full-throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn't matter the reasoning for the racist slur." Additionally, production designer Hannah Beachler reported experiencing a racial slur and condemned what she termed Bafta's "throwaway" apology.
Questions remain about why the racial slur was not edited out before the original broadcast, especially since other content was removed. For instance, a comment by Akinola Davies Jr referencing the Israel-Gaza war and a joke by Cumming apparently about Donald Trump were deleted from the show. The Bafta film awards aired on BBC One with a two-hour delay on Sunday, and Bafta has yet to comment on the editing discrepancies.
Ongoing Repercussions and Media Scrutiny
The BBC's decision to re-edit the Baftas coverage highlights ongoing challenges in balancing live event broadcasting with content moderation. The incident has sparked broader discussions about disability awareness, racial sensitivity, and editorial standards in media. As the show is temporarily unavailable on iPlayer, viewers await the revised version, while the BBC and Bafta face continued scrutiny over their response protocols and commitment to inclusive broadcasting practices.
