BBC Removes BAFTAs Stream Following Unedited Racial Slur

The BBC has apologized and removed its coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards from iPlayer after a racial slur was unintentionally broadcast during the ceremony.

The incident happened when Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, who is the subject of the biopic I Swear, shouted involuntary remarks from the audience. Davidson has Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition that can cause sudden, uncontrollable verbal and physical tics.

During the ceremony, Davidson shouted the N-word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash. Although the word was not clearly audible, it was picked up in the BBC’s broadcast.

The BAFTAs were recorded with a two-hour delay before airing on BBC One, giving producers time to edit sensitive content. However, the remark was not removed before the broadcast. It also remained available for hours on BBC iPlayer, the broadcaster’s streaming service.

Around 11:30 a.m. local time, the BBC took down the stream from iPlayer. It was replaced with a message stating: “This episode will be available soon.” The broadcaster confirmed the ceremony would be edited and re-uploaded.

In a statement, a BBC spokesperson said: “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 Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the live event, acknowledging the “strong language” and apologizing if anyone was offended.

Davidson was seen leaving the auditorium at one point during the ceremony, and the interruptions appeared to stop afterward. It is unclear whether he returned to his seat.

The situation has also raised questions about editorial decisions. Producers were reportedly aware of Davidson’s attendance and had made preparations in advance. However, the slur was not edited out of the broadcast.

At the same time, the BBC and production company Penny Lane TV did edit another moment from the show. In his acceptance speech, director Akinola Davies Jr. said the words “free Palestine,” which were removed from the broadcast version.

The handling of the apology drew criticism from Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler. She said she also heard Davidson’s involuntary racial slurs during the ceremony and described the situation as “impossible.” Beachler argued that the on-stage response felt like a “throw-away apology” and did not fully address the harm caused.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about live broadcasting, editorial responsibility and how to balance sensitivity toward medical conditions with the impact of offensive language.