The BBC says it is carrying out a “fast-tracked” investigation after failing to edit out a racial slur shouted by a Tourette’s campaigner from its BAFTAs broadcast.
John Davidson, who suffers from the neurological condition, shouted out as the first award of the night was presented on stage by Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
The BAFTAs programme was edited down from the three-hour live show filmed two hours earlier that evening at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and went out on BBC1 at 7pm. The slur could be watched on BBC iPlayer for more than 12 hours before the programme was removed to be edited:
Viewers then saw the message: “This episode will be available soon.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been reviewing what happened at BAFTA on Sunday evening.
“This was a serious mistake and the director general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.”
Both Lindo and Jordan appeared to pause after the insult was heard, then continued their presentation.
Additionally, on Wednesday the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) wrote to outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie “seeking an explanation” for how a racial slur ended up in the broadcast “in spite of a two-hour time delay”.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.