BBC Takes Down BAFTA Awards from iPlayer Following Racial Slur Incident
The BBC has issued a formal apology and removed the BAFTA Film Awards from its iPlayer streaming service after a racial slur was shouted during the televised ceremony. The incident occurred early in the show on Sunday evening at London's Royal Festival Hall, where the offensive language was not edited out until the following day.
Details of the Broadcast and Removal
The two-hour programme, edited from a three-hour live event, aired on BBC1 at 7pm. It remained available on iPlayer until around lunchtime on Monday, when it was taken down with a message stating, "This episode will be available soon." The racial slur was heard as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the vampire horror film Sinners, presented the first award of the night.
Both actors paused briefly after the insult was audible before continuing with their presentation. In response to the incident, the BBC stated, "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."
Host and Charity Responses
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience during the ceremony, acknowledging the "strong and offensive language" and explaining its connection to Tourette syndrome. He referenced the film I Swear, which depicts the experiences of a person with the condition, emphasising that tics are involuntary and not reflective of an individual's beliefs.
Tourettes Action, a charity dedicated to the condition, expressed pride in John Davidson, the Tourette campaigner identified as the source of the slur, and called for public understanding. A spokesperson said, "We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character." The charity noted that Davidson left the ceremony early due to the backlash and highlighted his MBE award in 2019 for raising awareness about Tourette syndrome.
Additional Incidents and Background
Other disruptions were reported throughout the ceremony, including shouts directed at BAFTA chair Sara Putt and during the acceptance of an award for best children's and family film. According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome involves sudden, repetitive sounds or movements called tics, which can be triggered by stress or excitement. Only about one in ten people with the condition experience coprolalia, the involuntary use of inappropriate language.
The film I Swear, based on Davidson's memoir and released in UK and Irish cinemas, tells his story and aims to combat abuse and misconceptions about Tourette syndrome. In related news, newcomer Robert Aramayo won best actor at the BAFTAs for his role in the film, outperforming established stars.
