BBC finally reveals why Baftas N-word slur wasn’t edited out of broadcast

BBC finally reveals why Baftas N-word slur wasn’t edited out of broadcast

In a recent statement, the BBC’s top executive, Tim Davie, addressed the controversy surrounding the unedited broadcast of a racial slur during the 2026 Baftas ceremony. The incident, which occurred on February 22, led to widespread criticism after actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were subjected to the offensive language while presenting at the event.

Unintended Outburst and Apology

The slur was shouted involuntarily by John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome, during the awards. Davidson later expressed regret for the discomfort caused, acknowledging the incident as an unintentional occurrence. The BBC’s failure to remove the word from its live feed on BBC One sparked immediate public backlash, with the ceremony remaining accessible on BBC iPlayer for hours before the error was rectified.

“I’d like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error.” — Tim Davie

Second Incident and Editorial Oversight

It was later revealed that the N-word was also used a second time when Wunmi Mosaku, an actress, accepted her best supporting actress award. This second instance was caught and promptly edited out by the team in the broadcast truck. However, the first use of the slur went unnoticed, despite the team’s protocols for addressing offensive language.

Davie explained that the initial incident was not flagged because no one in the truck heard it during the live feed. “Because no one in the broadcast truck was aware it was on the live feed, there was therefore no editorial decision made to leave the language in,” he said. The second occurrence, however, triggered immediate action from the edit team, who removed the slur from the final version of the ceremony.

Protocols and Unanswered Questions

The BBC had previously agreed with Bafta to manage risks linked to Davidson’s Tourette’s, including audience briefings and a disclaimer for host Alan Cumming. Davie noted that the edit team followed established procedures, yet they missed the first incident. “Our understanding at this point is that the team mistakenly believed they had edited out the incident being referenced,” he clarified.

Despite the second edit, questions remain about why the first instance wasn’t identified. Davie confirmed the BBC is investigating the oversight and the delay in removing the ceremony from iPlayer until the next day.

Actor Reactions and Public Sentiment

Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan criticized the lack of awareness during the event. Lindo said hours after the ceremony that he wished someone from Bafta or the BBC had discussed the language with him and Jordan. Wunmi Mosaku, who was deeply affected by the incident, described the experience as emotionally draining. “I was there and it was painful to have that celebration kind of really tainted for me,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

“I have no hard feelings towards John Davidson at all. He has a condition. I feel like Bafta has a lot of lessons to learn.” — Wunmi Mosaku

Mosaku also questioned the BBC’s response, stating: “That’s one thing, and then the BBC is a whole other thing. That’s the bit that really kind of kept me awake at night and brought tears to my eyes.” She added, “I was like, you really chose to keep that in? I can’t understand it, and I’m not sure if I can forgive it.”

Apologies and Ongoing Review

Following the incident, Bafta issued an apology and accepted full responsibility for placing its guests in a difficult situation. Host Alan Cumming, who had prepared a disclaimer for potential offensive language, was also mentioned in the aftermath. The BBC emphasized its commitment to reviewing the event and improving its processes to prevent similar mistakes in the future.

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