BBC's Bafta Broadcast Breached Standards with Unedited Racial Slur, ECU Rules
The BBC's executive complaints unit determined that the airing of a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards on February 19 breached editorial guidelines. This slur was uttered by Tourette's activist John Davidson while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. It was not removed from the two-hour delayed broadcast on BBC One and remained available on iPlayer overnight. Kate Phillips, the chief content officer, recognized this as a significant error and apologized to Lindo, Jordan, and Wunmi Mosaku, who reported feeling distressed. Both outgoing director general Tim Davie and culture secretary Lisa Nandy criticized the incident. The ECU rejected complaints regarding the omission of Free Palestine from Akinola Davies Jr.'s speech. The BBC committed to enhancing its live event protocols.
Key facts
- The BBC's executive complaints unit upheld complaints about a racial slur broadcast during the Bafta Film Awards.
- The slur was shouted by Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo's presentation in February.
- The unedited broadcast aired on BBC One with a two-hour delay and remained on iPlayer until the next morning.
- The ECU ruled the broadcast breached editorial standards on harm and offense but was unintentional.
- Chief content officer Kate Phillips apologized directly to those affected, including Davidson and actors.
- John Davidson attended because I Swear, a film based on his life, won three Baftas at the ceremony.
- Wunmi Mosaku said the incident tainted the event and caused her emotional distress.
- The ECU dismissed complaints about editing Free Palestine from a speech, citing time constraints.
Entities
Artists
- Michael B. Jordan
- Delroy Lindo
- Wunmi Mosaku
- John Davidson
- Kirk Jones
- Akinola Davies Jr.
- Wale
- Alan Cumming
Institutions
- BBC
- BBC One
- BBC's executive complaints unit
- Bafta
- Entertainment Weekly
- Conservative Party
Locations
- United Kingdom