The BBC has issued an apology after airing a racial slur twice in a single day, just two months after facing backlash for a similar incident during the Baftas. On April 1, BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat programme played a backing track from American rapper Childish Gambino—real name Donald Glover—that contained the N-word during two broadcasts at 12:45pm and 5:45pm. The clip was used in a news package referencing the new Super Mario Galaxy Movie, in which Glover stars. It remains unclear which of his songs was played, though several of his tracks include the offensive term.
Editorial Oversight
A source explained to The Sun that the inclusion of the slur was 'an appalling oversight in the edit suite.' The BBC has since rolled out all-staff training to prevent future occurrences, though this has drawn further attention to the mistake. 'After the fallout from the Baftas, this is the absolute worst-case scenario for the Beeb,' the source added.
In a statement to Metro, a BBC spokesperson said: 'We are very sorry this was broadcast. We should not have included this clip in this news report, and we removed the clip from Sounds when we realised the error.'
Baftas Incident Context
This latest gaffe follows the BBC's failure to edit out the same racial slur during the 2026 Baftas ceremony on February 22. The word was involuntarily uttered by campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, while presenting an award alongside actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The slur aired on BBC One and remained on iPlayer for several hours before removal. Davidson later expressed his 'expectation' that the BBC would blur his comments and questioned why he was seated near a microphone.
Bafta issued an 'unreserved apology' the following day, acknowledging the 'very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many.' The BBC also apologised and launched a fast-tracked investigation through its Executive Complaints Unit.
Director General's Response
In March, then-Director General Tim Davie responded to Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, who sought an explanation for how the slur was broadcast despite a two-hour delay. Davie wrote: 'I'd like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error.' He added that initial evidence indicated no one in the on-site broadcast truck heard the slur on the live feed, so no editorial decision was made to leave it in.
Ongoing Concerns
The repeated incidents have raised questions about the BBC's editorial safeguards. While the corporation has implemented training, critics argue that more robust measures are needed to prevent such breaches. Metro has contacted the BBC for further comment.
