BBC Issues Apology for Inappropriate Language During BAFTA Film Awards
The BBC has issued an apology following its coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards, which included a racial slur inadvertently shouted by an audience member with Tourette syndrome. The incident occurred during a pre-recorded segment of the ceremony, broadcast on a two-hour delay on BBC One.
The broadcaster expressed regret for the use of “strong and offensive language” during the event. The remark came from John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner and the subject of the biopic I Swear, who made involuntary comments from his seat.
At one moment, Davidson uttered the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash. Although not clearly audible, the comment was nonetheless included in the BBC’s coverage and remained available on iPlayer as of this morning.
A BBC spokesperson remarked, “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Additionally, host Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the ceremony, acknowledging that the audience “may have noticed” the strong language and expressing regret if “anyone was offended.”
Davidson briefly left the auditorium during the ceremony, leaving unclear whether he returned to his seat, but the interruptions seemed to have subsided after that point.
The nature of BAFTA’s apology has drawn criticism from production designer Hannah Beachler, who remarked on the impact of Davidson’s involuntary remarks. She described the situation as “impossible” and lamented the “throw-away apology” from the BBC.
