Bafta slur broadcast prompts fast-tracked BBC probe
Bafta slur broadcast prompts fast-tracked BBC probe
BBC launches rapid review after a racial slur was aired at the Baftas by a Tourette's campaigner, drawing MP scrutiny and a Google apology.
A racial slur was shouted during the Bafta Film Awards as two black actors, Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were presenting an award. The BBC described the incident as a 'serious mistake' and has ordered a fast-tracked investigation by the Executive Complaints Unit to provide a full response to complainants. Tim Davie, the director-general, instructed the ECU to oversee a swift and thorough review of the broadcast and its handling.
The episode sparked immediate political scrutiny. The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, said the broadcast was 'completely unacceptable and harmful' and emphasized that the BBC must ensure this never happens again. MPs asked how the slur occurred, why it wasn’t edited out, and what steps are in place to prevent a repeat, pointing to lessons from a Glastonbury incident last year when antisemitic remarks and other derogatory comments were streamed.
Separately, Google issued an apology after a Bafta-related news alert included the N-word in a notification tied to the incident. Google stressed the error was a system malfunction, not AI-generated, and the alert has since been removed. The evolving response has intensified calls for stronger safeguards in live broadcasts and clearer editorial oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
