BBC apologises for racial slur broadcast during Baftas

Incident was result of 'involuntary tics' and 'not intentional'

- JACOB STOLWORTHY

The BBC has issued an apology after a racial slur, shouted by an audience member with Tourette syndrome, was broadcast during the Baftas. The incident occurred on Sunday at London'sRoyal Festival Hall as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for Special Visual Effects.

A spokesperson for the BBC stated: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.” In a followup apology, they added that the ceremony had been removed from iPlayer, and would be re-added without the slur.

During the broadcast, presenter Alan Cumming also addressed the issue, explaining the nature of Tourette syndrome.

He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that the film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.”

The film I Swear, which stars Robert Aramayo and chronicles the life of Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, saw Aramayo win Best Actor and the EE Rising Star award. The film also won the award for Best Casting.

At other points during the ceremony, Mr Davidson could be heard shouting words such as “boring” and “fuck”, with many of these interruptions audible by TV viewers.

One incident saw Mr Davidson shout the n-word while