BBC Apologies for Not Removing Racial Slur from BAFTAs 2026 Broadcast

Emily BurackMon, February 23, 2026 at 2:40 PM UTC

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BBC Apologies for BAFTA Broadcast Iona Wolff - Getty Images

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The BBC has apologized after its tape-delayed broadcast of the 2026 BAFTAs did not edit out the use of a racial slur by an attendee. “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,” the BBC wrote this morning.

The N-word could be heard on the broadcast as Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, shouted by John Davidson, a Tourette’s activist who inspired the film I Swear. (In the movie, Davidson is played by Robert Aramayo, who won Best Actor last night.)

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo present the Special Visual Effects Award. Stuart Wilson/BAFTA - Getty Images

After, host Alan Cumming told the audience (which included the Prince and Princess of Wales, among many others), “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.” Davidson reportedly left the ceremony early.

Cumming’s apology added onto his remarks from earlier in the show, where he told the gathered attendees, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” Today, the BAFTAs referred to Cumming’s statements when asked for comment.

Hannah Beachler attends the BAFTAs. Lia Toby - Getty Images

On X, Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler criticized Cumming’s remarks, writing after the show had ended, “I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can't find the words. The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show. And a third time at a Black woman.”

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She continued, “I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of ‘if you were offended.’ at the end of the show. Of course we were offended...but our frequency, our spiritual vibration is tuned to a higher level than what happened. I am not steal, this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it. It can’t take away from who I am as an artist.”

As of this writing, Davidson has not commented on what occurred last night, nor have Jordan or Lindo.

Akinola Davies and Wale Davies at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. Variety - Getty Images

The BBC’s decision to not edit out the slur was under greater scrutiny as the broadcaster did edit out “Free Palestine” from an acceptance speech. As filmmakers Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr. accepted the BAFTA for Best British Debut for My Father’s Shadow, Davies Jr. ended his speech by dedicating the win to “all those whose parents migrated to obtain a better life for their children.”

He continued, “To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter. Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance to those watching at home. Archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine.”

On the tape-delay airing of the show, this entire part of Davies Jr.’s speech was removed. A BBC spokesperson said, per Deadline: “The live event is three hours and it has to be reduced to two hours for its on-air slot. The same happened to other speeches made during the night and all edits were made to ensure the programme was delivered to time. All winners’ speeches will be available to watch via Bafta’s YouTube channel.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”