BBC and BAFTA Say They Are Investigating After Broadcast of Racist Slur
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The BBC has launched an internal investigation after a racist slur was broadcast during its delayed airing of the BAFTAs, uttered involuntarily by John Davidson, a man with Tourette’s syndrome attending the event.
- Davidson, whose life was the subject of a nominated film, shouted the slur while Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting, despite prior warnings about possible involuntary noises during the ceremony.
- The incident sparked public debate on racism, sensitivity, and the treatment of people with disabilities, given Tourette’s syndrome can cause involuntary offensive remarks.
- The BBC apologized to viewers and staff, admitting the failure to edit out the slur was a mistake, and removed the broadcast from
