BAFTA has apologised "unreservedly" to the black and disability communities after a racial slur was broadcast during its 2026 film awards, adding an independent review found "a number of structural weaknesses" in its planning for the event.
In a statement released on Friday, BAFTA's board of trustees said they not only apologised to the black community for the racial slur, but also to the disability community for whom, it said, the incident had led to "unfair judgement".
During the ceremony in February disability campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette’s, could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Special Visual Effects.
The trustees said: "Following the incident at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, the BAFTA Board commissioned an independent review by RISE Associates to examine what happened and what must change.
"The review, which is now complete, identified a number of structural weaknesses in BAFTA’s planning, escalation procedures and crisis coordination arrangements. However, it did not find evidence of malicious intent on the part of those involved in delivering the event. We accept its conclusions in full which can be read below.
"We apologise unreservedly to the Black community, for whom the racist language used carries real pain, brutality, and trauma; to the disability community, including people with Tourette Syndrome, for whom this incident has led to unfair judgement, stigma, and distress; and to all our members, guests at the ceremony and those watching at home. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration was diminished and overshadowed. We have written to those directly impacted on the night to apologise.
"The review is clear that while this was not a failure of intent, BAFTA’s planning and processes have not kept pace with its diversity and inclusion goals. We did not adequately anticipate or fully prepare for the impact of such an incident in a live event environment and as a result our duty of care to everyone at the ceremony and watching at home fell short.
"Work is already underway to address the specific areas of improvement recommended in the review to reduce the risk of this happening again, namely around accessibility and inclusion planning, culture, and event communication and command structure.
"First, we are improving escalation processes and the chain of information sharing around our Awards ceremonies.
"Second, we are strengthening how we plan for and deliver access, inclusion and support at our events to adopt a broader intersectional approach so that the needs and experiences of all are properly considered in advance.
"Third, we are addressing any internal cultural gaps or lack of knowledge that may prevent BAFTA from meeting its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across all our work.
"This work continues as a priority with the Executive Team reporting regularly on progress against all actions to the Board of Trustees.
"We are determined to learn from what happened, and to ensure inclusion and belonging for all is meaningful in practice as well as in principle."
Source: Press Association
