The BBC has apologised after a racial slur was broadcast during its coverage of the Bafta Film Awards on Sunday, February 21st, 2026. The slur was uttered by John Davidson, a guest with Tourette’s syndrome, as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award.
Davidson’s involuntary outburst, the N-word, was audible during the live broadcast, which was delayed by two hours, and remained on BBC iPlayer before being removed. The incident sparked immediate criticism, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch calling it a “horrible mistake” and demanding an explanation for why the slur wasn’t edited out.
The BBC stated that the language “arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.” A spokesperson added, “We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.” The corporation declined to comment further on the editing lapse.
Both Jordan and Lindo continued with the presentation after a brief pause, demonstrating composure during the incident. Lindo later told Vanity Fair he wished “someone from Bafta spoke to us afterward.” Bafta has acknowledged the “harm this has caused” and pledged to address the situation and apologise to all affected parties.
The director of the film I Swear, Kirk Jones, based on the life of John Davidson, has stated that Davidson was “let down” by the incident. Jones told the Telegraph he initially believed the slur hadn’t been broadcast and expressed concern that the broadcast was “perhaps one of the worst ways in which he was let down on the night.” Bafta has since stated that the microphone near Davidson was an analyser microphone used for sound equalization and was not intended to amplify his voice during the broadcast.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has described the broadcast as “completely unacceptable and harmful” and has spoken with BBC Director-General Tim Davie, demanding assurances that such an incident will not happen again. Davie has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to conduct a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complaints.
The incident has prompted wider discussion about the challenges of balancing inclusivity and protecting individuals from harm. The studio behind Sinners, the film starring Jordan and Lindo, reportedly raised concerns with Bafta immediately after the incident, while Google issued an apology for an offensive notification related to the event.
A Bafta judge has resigned over what they described as an “utterly unforgivable” handling of the incident. BBC producers have stated they “didn’t hear” the slur at the time, attributing this to working “in a truck.”
