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BBC Says BAFTAs Slur Broadcast Was a 'Genuine Mistake' as Davie Details Edit Failure

The broadcaster attributes the error to a miscommunication in the on‑site edit truck.

Overview

  • Director-general Tim Davie told Parliament the BBC 'profoundly regrets' airing an involuntary racial slur and takes full responsibility for the error.
  • There were two audible incidents within about 10 minutes; editors removed the second during Wunmi Mosaku’s win but mistakenly believed that was the one being flagged, leaving the first in.
  • The programme stayed on iPlayer for roughly 12–15 hours, and the BBC is examining why it was not edited or withdrawn sooner as staff were later alerted to the oversight.
  • The Executive Complaints Unit is fast-tracking an investigation, with the BBC citing pre‑agreed protocols with BAFTA, including planned edits for any offensive involuntary tics.
  • Delroy Lindo described processing the moment in a 'nanosecond' before continuing to present, while John Davidson said he was deeply mortified by the harm caused by his involuntary tic.