BBC and BAFTA say they are investigating after broadcast of racist slur

The BBC said it had ordered an internal investigation of its Sunday broadcast of the BAFTAs, Britain’s equivalent of the Oscars, after it aired a racist slur uttered involuntarily by a man with Tourette’s syndrome.

The man, John Davidson, who was in the audience because a movie about his life was nominated for awards, shouted the slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, two Black stars of the film “Sinners,” were onstage presenting an award. Mr. Davidson had shouted offensive remarks earlier in the awards show, and BAFTA had announced to the audience before the ceremony that attendees might see and hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the awards.

But the broadcast of the remark has led to questions about the responsibility and judgment of those involved, and to public conversations about racism, insensitivity and the broader treatment of people with disabilities.

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