John Davidson criticises BBC after being told ‘swearing would be edited out’

EntertainmentOpinion
25 Feb 2026 • 6:27 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards ceremony.
  • Davidson claims he was assured by Bafta that any involuntary expletives would be edited out of the delayed broadcast.
  • Despite these assurances and concerns raised by film studios, the racial slur was not removed from the televised show.
  • Davidson expressed his distress and criticised Bafta and the BBC for their lack of preparedness, given his previous work with the broadcaster.
  • He also questioned the decision to place a microphone close to his seating area, knowing he would tic.

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