Additional Coverage:
- BAFTA says review of racial slur scandal found ‘structural weaknesses’ but no malicious intent (latimes.com)
The BAFTA Board of Trustees has announced steps to address significant shortcomings in accessibility, inclusion planning, event communication, and organizational structure, following a racial slur incident that marred their recent awards ceremony.
In a statement released Friday, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts acknowledged an independent review uncovered multiple structural weaknesses in their planning, escalation procedures, and crisis management. The controversy arose during the February 22 awards, when a white audience member with Tourette syndrome directed a racial slur at “Sinners” stars Michael B.
Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both Black, while they were on stage. BAFTA and broadcaster BBC received swift criticism for airing the slur after a two-hour delay, despite having the opportunity to censor it.
Both organizations have since issued apologies.
The external review, conducted by RISE Associates, found no evidence of malicious intent from those involved in organizing the event. The man responsible for the slur, John Davidson, is a Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner who served as executive producer and subject of the BAFTA-winning documentary “I Swear.” BAFTA extended renewed apologies to both the Black and disability communities.
The board conceded that it had not met its diversity and inclusion goals and failed to properly anticipate the repercussions of such an incident during a live event. RISE highlighted that BAFTA did not act on early warning signs and lacked a clear command structure, which hampered effective response efforts. The consultancy emphasized that the incident revealed the academy’s existing frameworks were inadequate for today’s live broadcast environment.
To rectify these issues, BAFTA outlined a three-part action plan focusing on enhancing escalation protocols, improving communication, and addressing internal cultural gaps that may hinder diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The trustees affirmed their commitment to ensuring that inclusion and belonging are reflected meaningfully in both policy and practice.
Beyond the immediate fallout-which included Davidson’s apology, BBC’s handling of a separate slur, and a contentious call to “Free Palestine” during the telecast-tensions reportedly arose between Warner Bros., the studio behind “Sinners,” and the BBC.
For Jordan and Lindo, the subsequent 57th NAACP Image Awards provided a welcome moment of recognition and solidarity, helping to shift focus from controversy to celebration. Lindo expressed gratitude for the support they received, calling the evening “a classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive.”
Jordan, honored as Entertainer of the Year, went on to claim the coveted lead actor Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards in March. In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to pioneering Black actors like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Halle Berry, acknowledging the foundation they laid for his success.
“Thank you everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it,” Jordan said.
“I know you want me to do well and I wanna do that because you guys bet on it … I’m gonna keep stepping up.”
BAFTA’s renewed commitment to reform aims to prevent similar incidents and foster a more inclusive environment moving forward.