The BBC has apologized after a racial slur, shouted during the Bafta Film Awards by an audience member with Tourette syndrome, was broadcasted during the ceremony.
The BBC has issued an apology following a controversial incident during the Bafta Film Awards 2026, where a racial slur was shouted by a member of the audience. This incident occurred as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting the award for special visual effects at the Royal Festival Hall in London. A spokesperson for the BBC acknowledged that some viewers might have been offended by the language, clarifying that the slur was not intentional but rather a result of involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome.
During the broadcast, the presenter Alan Cumming addressed the incident, expressing regret for any offense viewers might have experienced. Despite the apology, the slur remains audible on the iPlayer recording of the ceremony, raising concerns about the live nature of broadcasting sensitive content. The incident has sparked discussions around the responsibilities of broadcasters when it comes to live audiences and the potential for similar occurrences in the future.
This event underlines the complex interplay between mental health conditions like Tourette syndrome and public perception, especially in high-profile settings such as awards shows. The BBC's response to the incident suggests an awareness of the need for sensitivity in broadcasting but also highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing live event dynamics with audience expectations.
