Wigan MP Lisa Nandy slams ‘completely unacceptable’ BBC BAFTAs blunder

Culture Secretary and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has branded the broadcast of a racial slur during the British Academy Film Awards as “completely unacceptable” after it was aired on the BBC. 

The incident happened as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo walked on stage to present an award.  Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson was heard involuntarily shouting a racial slur from the audience.

The BBC apologised earlier this week for failing to edit the moment out of its pre-recorded broadcast. The corporation has since confirmed that its Executive Complaints Unit will carry out a fast-tracked investigation after what it described as a “serious mistake”.

Ms Nandy said she shared the “serious concerns raised by so many people” following the broadcast and had spoken to outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie about the matter. She added: “I welcome the launch of a full investigation by the BBC. Broadcasting a racial slur is completely unacceptable and harmful.

“The BBC must ensure that this never happens again.”

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Davie 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 to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.”

Davidson had attended the ceremony after a film based on his life with Tourette’s was nominated. He later questioned why he had been seated so close to a microphone. Speaking to Variety, he said: “I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.”

Jordan and Lindo did not visibly react at the time, but viewers quickly took to social media, pointing out that the programme had been pre-recorded and edited before going out to millions of people across the UK.