Bafta N-Word Controversy: Studio Warned, Broadcast Unedited
Warner Bros executives reacted swiftly after the N-word was yelled during the Bafta awards ceremony on Sunday night, yet their concerns were ignored when the offensive moment aired on BBC One. A source close to the studio has revealed that executives raised the issue with Bafta immediately after the incident occurred, requesting the slur be removed from the telecast, which broadcasts with a two-hour delay.
Immediate Concerns and Failed Assurance
The source confirmed that Bafta assured Warner Bros the request would be passed on to the BBC. However, the word was not edited out, leaving the studio and audiences shocked. Warner Bros, behind films like Sinners and One Battle After Another, maintained close contact with Bafta throughout the evening and met with them again on Monday morning to address the oversight.
In response to inquiries, a BBC spokesperson declined to add to their Monday apology, stating they would not comment further. BBC producers overseeing the coverage claimed they did not hear the slur during the live event, attributing this to working from an external production truck.
Google Apologizes for AI Prompt
Meanwhile, Google has issued an apology for an AI-generated prompt that accompanied a link to an article about the incident, which inappropriately referenced the N-word. A Google spokesperson expressed deep regret, stating, "We are deeply sorry for this mistake. We have removed the offensive notification and are working to prevent this from happening again."
Criticism Mounts Over Editing Failures
Many have questioned why editors missed the slur, given the significant reaction in the room and on social media. While other instances of inappropriate language were cut, this moment was overlooked. On Monday afternoon, the BBC issued a new apology and uploaded an edited version of the broadcast to its website.
The lengthy delay between the live ceremony and its broadcast has faced increased criticism, as audiences often know winners beforehand. This delay is intended to allow time for editing inappropriate content, especially for pre-watershed transmission, making the failure more glaring.
Bafta's Response and Resignation
Bafta released a statement on Monday evening, taking full responsibility for putting guests in a difficult situation and apologizing unreservedly to Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo for their professionalism. Despite these apologies, criticism has not subsided.
On Tuesday, Bafta judge Jonte Richardson resigned over the "utterly unforgivable" handling of the incident. Organizations like the New Black Film Collective and MP Dawn Butler have echoed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch's outrage at the BBC's failure to edit the word.
The Guardian has approached Bafta for further comment as the controversy continues to unfold.
