Finance
BBC orders fast-track probe into racial slur broadcast at BAFTAs
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Tags:corporate governance
Quick Summary
BBC launches a fast-track investigation after failing to remove a racial slur from its delayed BAFTA broadcast. A guest with Tourette syndrome shouted the slur as two Black actors presented.
LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The BBC said on Wednesday it had launched an investigation into how it had failed to edit out a racial slur from its broadcast of Britain's top movie awards.
At the BAFTA Awards on Sunday night, a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted out while two actors from "Sinners", Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were on stage.
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.
The slur was shouted by John Davidson, who attended the awards in London after his life inspired the film "I Swear".
Davidson said his condition caused his body and voice to act in ways he does not intend. He said he was mortified if anyone considered his involuntary tics to be intentional.
The BBC said it had reviewed what it called a "serious mistake" and would act quickly.
"The Director-General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants," a spokesperson said in a statement.
BAFTA has apologised to the two actors and said it took full responsibility for what happened.
(Reporting by William James, writing by Kate Holton and Sam Tabahriti)
Key Takeaways
- •BBC Director-General orders a fast-tracked probe into BAFTA broadcast errors.
- •A guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the ceremony.
- •The incident occurred while two Black actors from Sinners presented an award.
- •BBC apologized and moved to edit/remove the segment from iPlayer.
- •Executive Complaints Unit will deliver a rapid response to complainants.
Frequently Asked Questions about BBC orders fast-track probe into racial slur broadcast at BAFTAs
1What is the main topic?
The BBC ordered a fast-tracked investigation after failing to edit out a racial slur from its delayed BAFTA Awards broadcast. The Executive Complaints Unit will review and respond to complaints.
2Who was involved in the incident at the BAFTAs?
A guest with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the ceremony. The moment occurred while actors from the film Sinners, including Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented.
3What actions has the BBC taken so far?
The BBC apologized publicly, removed or edited the offending segment on iPlayer, and initiated a fast-track review via its Executive Complaints Unit to provide a full response to complainants.
