The BBC has come under fire after cutting a pro-Palestinian remark from its 2026 British Academy Film Awards coverage, while initially allowing a racial slur to be broadcast during the same ceremony.

Director Akinola Davies Jr, who won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, ended his acceptance speech by shouting “Free Palestine.” However, viewers watching the BBC’s broadcast (which aired around 30 minutes after the live event) noticed the line had been edited out.

The decision to remove the comment has drawn criticism, particularly as a racial slur shouted during a separate moment of the ceremony was initially aired despite the programme operating on a significant time delay.

During a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Tourette’s activist John Davidson was heard shouting the N-word as part of involuntary vocal tics. Davidson is the subject of the documentary I Swear, which focuses on living with Tourette Syndrome

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming later apologised on air, telling viewers: “We apologise if it has caused offence.” Davidson reportedly chose to leave the ceremony during the second half of the show.

Despite the reported two-hour delay on the BBC’s coverage, the slur was broadcast to millions of viewers and was still audible on BBC iPlayer the following morning.

The BBC initially issued a statement apologising for “any offence caused” but later admitted the slur should have been “edited out prior to broadcast.” The ceremony was subsequently removed from iPlayer while edits were made to the programme.

The contrasting editorial decisions OF cutting “Free Palestine” while initially airing a racial slur, have sparked widespread debate online about censorship, consistency and the broadcaster’s handling of politically sensitive content... Residents, let us know your thoughts via our platforms!

‍