Bafta admits ‘structural weaknesses’ over racial slur broadcast at film awards

The Bafta Board said an independent review into the incident found issues with “planning, escalation procedures and crisis co-ordination arrangements” for the awards

Bafta has apologised after a racial slur shouted by John Davidson was heard at the film awards (Ian West/PA)

Bafta has admitted there were “structural weaknesses” in its planning for the 2026 film awards, which saw a racial slur broadcast.

Disability campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette’s, could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award during the ceremony on February 22, which was broadcast on the BBC with a two-hour time delay.