The BBC is facing fierce backlash after viewers noticed a stark editing contrast during the BAFTAs. While a racial slur linked to Tourette’s was broadcast, filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.’s “Free Palestine” remark was cut. Critics say the decision has “really says something” about priorities behind the scenes.
Why the BBC’s Handling of the BAFTA Ceremony Is Facing Criticism
The controversy erupted after Tourette’s activist John Davidson was heard shouting a racial slur during a presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. Host Alan Cumming addressed the moment on air, saying: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight.” He added, “We apologise if you were offended.”
Meanwhile, when My Father’s Shadow won the outstanding British debut, director Akinola Davies Jr. ended his speech with: “To the economic migrant. The conflict migrant. Those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide. You matter. Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance.”
“To those watching at home, archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine, thank you.”
That final line did not make the BBC broadcast. A spokesperson explained: “The live event is three hours and it has to be reduced to two hours for its on-air slot. The same happened to other speeches made during the night and all edits were made to ensure the programme was delivered to time.”
Per Daily Mail, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and star actor Jamie Foxx, among others, have called out the BBC for the ‘unacceptable’ and ‘horrible mistake’.
Scrutiny Intensifies Over How the BAFTA Show Was Edited
Online, internet users zeroed in on the BAFTA slur situation. Some users defended Davidson, citing his Tourette’s condition, saying that the slur could have been an involuntary tic. Others kicked back against that claim.
On Reddit, one user wrote: “they edited out someone saying Free Palestine, so to edit that but not this really says something”. Another questioned the delay itself: “I read the show isn’t live and they have two hours to edit it. Is that not true?”
A third fumed: “I think BAFTA wanted to cause controversy. They can’t have people campaigning against the war but they can allow the tics of guy with Tourette’s, they’ve hurt a lot of people with this. They should be ashamed.” And confusion over Tourette’s surfaced too: “Can someone explain to me how Tourette’s can cause someone to yell out a slur? Like this isn’t sarcastic i genuinely do not get it.”
As debate rages, the awards night meant to honor film is now overshadowed by questions of accountability, and what should, or shouldn’t, make it to air.
