BBC upholds complaints over racial slur in Baftas broadcast

BBC upholds complaints over racial slur in Baftas broadcast

Editorial breach confirmed, but unintentional

The BBC’s executive complaints unit (ECU) concluded that a racial slur, unconsciously uttered during the Bafta Film Awards, violated the corporation’s editorial standards. The incident occurred in February when a Tourette’s advocate inadvertently used the n-word while actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were hosting a category. The unedited moment was included in the TV broadcast, which aired on BBC One with a two-hour delay, and remained accessible on iPlayer until the following day.

ECU findings highlight oversight

BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips stated that the ECU deemed the inclusion of the n-word “a clear breach of our editorial standards” but emphasized it was not intentional. The unit received numerous complaints about the coverage and upheld those focused on harm and offence. Phillips noted that the production team “did not hear the n-word at the time it was said,” leading to no immediate action to remove it.

Delayed removal worsened impact

The ECU criticized the decision to keep the unedited version on iPlayer until Monday morning, calling it a “serious mistake.” The report highlighted that the extended availability of the clip amplified the offence caused by the accidental use of the slur. Phillips explained that confusion over whether the word was audible on the recording delayed the takedown process.

Reactions from critics and participants

The incident sparked significant backlash, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy describing the broadcast as “completely unacceptable and harmful.” Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch added that the BBC had made “a horrible mistake.” Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson argued the BBC should have “worked harder to prevent anything I said” from being aired, questioning the microphone placement during the event.

Apology and steps for improvement

Bafta host Alan Cumming issued an apology for the “trauma-triggering” ceremony. Phillips stressed the need for the BBC to “learn from our mistakes” and outlined measures to strengthen pre-event planning, live production protocols, and iPlayer removal procedures. The ECU confirmed the breach was unintentional but stressed the importance of maintaining standards in future broadcasts.