BBC to launch 'fast-tracked' investigation into 'serious mistake' at Baftas following 'racial slur' controversy

The announcement by the soon-departing Tim Davie came on the same day that MPs demanded answers from the corporation about how the slur made it into the edit.

Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, wrote to the BBC director-general seeking answers about the incident given the two-hour delay between the ceremony and its broadcast.

"I am writing regarding the BBC's coverage of the Bafta Film Awards on Sunday," Ms Dinenage stated in her letter to the outgoing BBC chief.

"As you know, the BBC's broadcast included a racial slur made as a result of involuntary tics by a person with Tourette syndrome. I am seeking an explanation as to how the slur came to be broadcast in spite of a two-hour time delay."

The corporation has faced widespread criticism for failing to remove the offensive language before transmission.

Mr Davidson, a 54-year-old Scottish Tourette's syndrome campaigner, experienced multiple involuntary outbursts throughout the 79th Bafta Awards ceremony on Sunday evening.

The incident that sparked the most controversy occurred when Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present the best visual effects award, with Me Davidson's tic causing him to shout the n-word during a pause in their introduction.

Mr Davidson, whose life inspired the film I Swear starring Robert Aramayo, had been experiencing tics from early in the ceremony, including shouting profanities on several occasions.

Production designer Hannah Beachler indicated on X that she heard the racial slur three times during the evening, including once directed at her after the show.

Mr Davidson voluntarily left the auditorium midway through proceedings, later stating he was "mortified" and aware of the distress his tics were causing.

In an interview with Variety, Mr Davidson expressed profound distress over the incident, stating: "I can't begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in."

His team confirmed he has contacted the studio behind Sinners to personally apologise to Mr Jordan, Mr Lindo and Ms Beachler.

Mr Davidson emphasised that his outbursts bear no connection to his actual thoughts or values.

"I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe," he told the publication. "It's an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values."

He revealed that he experienced approximately ten different offensive tics throughout the evening, explaining that the words he utters during episodes are often the complete opposite of what he would otherwise condemn.

Mr Davidson questioned the wisdom of seating him near an audience microphone, given his condition was well known to organisers.

He noted that StudioCanal had worked closely with Bafta, and he had been assured that any swearing would be removed from the broadcast.

"I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said — which, after all, was some 40 rows back from the stage — from being included in the broadcast," he said.

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips confirmed another racial slur had been edited out, but the one aired during Mr Jordan and Mr Lindo's presentation "was aired in error and we would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast."

Bafta apologised unreservedly and confirmed a comprehensive review is underway.