BBC Knew of BAFTA N-Word Slur Before Broadcast, Insider Claims
An insider has claimed that the BBC was aware of John Davidson's involuntary use of the N-word at the BAFTA awards ceremony, yet the racial slur still ended up in the final broadcast. The incident, which occurred during the televised event on BBC One, has ignited a major controversy, prompting an investigation and drawing sharp criticism from government officials and the public alike.
Details of the BAFTA Incident
Last Sunday, Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, 54, attended the annual film ceremony in London with the cast and crew of I Swear, a biographical drama based on his life. The film celebrated significant wins, including the leading actor trophy for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson, and the casting award. However, the success was overshadowed when Davidson, due to his severe Tourette's syndrome, could be heard yelling and swearing throughout the first half of the broadcast. This included him shouting the N-word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, raising questions about why it was not edited out, given that the awards are not live.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
As explained by the NHS, Tourette's is a condition that causes a person to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics. These are not chosen and cannot be controlled by the individual. While there is no cure, treatment can help manage the tics, which can be triggered by factors like stress, excitement, or tiredness. Vocal tics may include whistling, sniffing, making animal sounds, repeating words or phrases, or swearing, while motor tics involve movements such as eye rolling, shoulder shrugging, or jerking.
Insider Allegations and BBC Response
According to an insider speaking to Deadline, a BAFTA representative informed producers at Penny Lane TV of the incident after it occurred, implying the BBC had prior knowledge. The source stated, 'The BBC knew what happened.' Once alerted, BAFTA's position is that responsibility then fell to the BBC to ensure the ceremony, which had a two-hour time delay, did not feature offensive language breaching broadcasting regulations. In response, the BBC has launched a fast-tracked investigation, with a spokesperson calling it a 'serious mistake' and noting that the Director General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit to provide a full response to complainants.
Political and Public Backlash
The inclusion of the racial slur in the broadcast has been branded 'completely unacceptable and harmful' by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. Additionally, the Commons culture, media, and sport committee has written to outgoing Director General Tim Davie for answers. Inside the BBC, there is concern that the ceremony remained on BBC iPlayer for 15 hours with the slur intact before being taken down and edited, during which time clips had already circulated widely online.
Reactions from Those Involved
Delroy Lindo expressed disappointment that a BAFTA higher-up did not speak to them afterwards, while Michael B. Jordan, according to an industry source, was 'disgusted, repulsed, and grossed out' by hearing the slur, reminding him of the ongoing fight against racism. John Davidson, diagnosed with Tourette's as a teen, apologized to the actors, stating he was 'deeply mortified' and upset by social media accusations of racism. He questioned the placement of a microphone near him, knowing his tics, and described feeling shame and embarrassment during the incident.
Support from Filmmakers
I Swear director Kirk Jones voiced support for Davidson, saying he was 'let down' at the weekend. Jones noted he initially thought the slur was contained within the venue and only learned it had been broadcast early Monday morning. He emphasized the irony, stating that the incident highlights the very misunderstandings the film aims to address, and called the broadcast failure one of the worst ways Davidson was let down that night.
