The BBC apologised on Monday for failing to edit out a racial slur from its broadcast of Britain’s top movie awards, after a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted out while two Black actors from the film “Sinners” were presenting an award.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the BAFTAs when John Davidson shouted a racial slur. The BBC broadcast the show around two hours later and the offensive language remained in the programme, and on its streaming platform until Monday morning.
Later, director Akinola Davies Jr. said “Free Palestine” in an acceptance speech. The remark was edited out of the broadcast.
The racial slur by Davidson sparked anger from several Black actors and a production designer who said there should have been a more comprehensive apology at the time. Davidson attended the BAFTA awards in London on Sunday after his life inspired the film “I Swear”, which picked up several awards.
Tourette syndrome is an involuntary condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, which can sometimes include swearing.