BBC issues apology after racial slur is broadcast during Baftas

LocalEntertainment
23 Feb 2026 • 5:09 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The BBC apologised after a racial slur was broadcast during the Bafta Film Awards ceremony, causing offence to viewers.
  • The offensive language was shouted by an audience member reportedly with Tourette syndrome, during a presentation by actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan.
  • Both the BBC and the ceremony's presenter, Alan Cumming, clarified that the slur was an involuntary verbal tic associated with Tourette's syndrome.
  • They issued apologies for any offence caused, explaining that the individual had no control over the language due to their condition.
  • The awards also saw I Swear, a film about Tourette syndrome, win Best Actor for Robert Aramayo, and 'Sinners' director Ryan Coogler become the first black winner of the Bafta for Best Original Screenplay.

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