The BBC has apologized for not editing out a racial slur in its coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards last night (February 22). Despite a two-hour time delay in the airing of the award show, the n-word was not bleeped from the coverage.
The BBC has put out a statement following the BAFTAs controversy
John Davidson, a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, was sitting in the audience at last night’s BAFTAs. His emotional life story inspired I Swear, starring Robert Aramayo, who won the Best Actor and Rising Star awards for the role.
Towards the start of the night, while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award, John could be heard shouting the n-word. The moment was not cut from the BBC’s coverage. It was also available on the channel’s streaming site until the following morning.
Following widespread backlash, the BBC has now issued a statement. “We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast,” a spokesperson said. “It will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Elaborating, the 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.”
Shortly after the incident, BAFTA host Alan Cumming – who had earlier told the audience of the guest’s attendance – apologized for the “strong and offensive language.”
“Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary,” he explained. “The person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language.”
Alan continued, “We apologize if you were offended.”
Speaking to the BBC afterwards, Pippa McClounan, communications manager of Tourette’s Action, said: “As much as these words do cause hurt and shock in people, it’s really vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette’s syndrome, that the tics are involuntary, and they are in no way reflection of what that person is thinking and their beliefs.”
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