BBC issues apology after airing racial slur twice weeks after Baftas scandal

Olivia Gantzer
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:42:11 +0000

BBC Radio 1 has found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy after broadcasting a racial slur on two separate occasions during a single day's programming.

The offensive term was reportedly aired during Newsbeat bulletins at 12.45pm and again at 5.45pm, contained within a backing track by American artist Childish Gambino.

A source described the incident as "an appalling oversight in the edit suite."

The rapper, whose real name is Donald Glover, has several songs featuring the derogatory language in their lyrics, though the specific track used in the news package has not been identified.

The double broadcast comes just two months after the corporation faced significant criticism over the same slur being transmitted during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony.

The BBC has issued an apology for the broadcast error, acknowledging that the clip should never have been included in the news report.

A corporation spokesperson stated: "We are very sorry this was broadcast. We should not have included this clip in this news report, and we removed the clip from Sounds when we realised the error."

The offensive content was taken down from the BBC's audio streaming platform once staff became aware of the mistake.

The incident has prompted serious concern within the organisation, with an insider telling The Sun that it represents "the absolute worst case scenario for the Beeb" given the recent fallout from the awards ceremony broadcast.

In response to the incident, the BBC has implemented comprehensive training for all personnel to prevent similar errors occurring in future.

The mandatory programme has been rolled out across the organisation, though an insider noted this has inevitably drawn further attention to the original mistake.

The source told The Sun: "After the fallout from the Baftas, this is the absolute worst case scenario for the Beeb."

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The timing of the Radio 1 broadcast has proved particularly damaging for the corporation, arriving just eight weeks after the high-profile BAFTA controversy sparked widespread criticism.

That earlier incident saw the BBC face intense scrutiny over its editorial processes and prompted questions about how offensive content could slip through pre-broadcast checks on a recorded programme.

The BAFTA incident in February saw Scottish Tourette's campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shout the racial slur whilst actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award on stage.

The BBC subsequently apologised for failing to edit the offensive language from what was a pre-recorded broadcast, confirming it was "aired in error" and had been removed from iPlayer.

Mr Davidson expressed deep regret for the distress caused and questioned why he had been seated in such close proximity to a microphone during the ceremony.

BAFTA also apologised, admitting the organisation had not "adequately anticipate or fully prepare" for such a situation.

An independent review later determined that BAFTA "fell short" in its duty of care, whilst concluding there was no malicious intent behind the incident.