The BBC faced further criticism on Monday after repeatedly airing a racial slur during two news bulletins – weeks after suffering backlash for allowing the same derogatory term into their edited BAFTA coverage.
The under-fire broadcaster used an unspecified track by American rapper Childish Gambino to soundtrack two Newsbeat items – unaware that its lyrics contained the N word.
BBC Radio listeners heard the offending word during short bulletins about recently released children’s film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at 12:45pm, and again at 5:45pm – the programme’s usual slots.
Donald Glover, who records his music under the Childish Gambino pseudonym, takes a starring role in the film – which also features Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black and Brie Larson.
Tailored for a younger audience, Newsbeat airs across Radio 1, 1Xtra and the Asian Network, with shorter bulletins also aired throughout the day.
A BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail: ‘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 BBC faced further criticism on Monday after airing a racial slur during two Newsbeat bulletins – weeks after suffering backlash for allowing the same term into their BAFTA coverage
‘This was a short clip played during a news bulletin about The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. Donald Glover, who records songs as Childish Gambino, is starring in the film.
‘Unfortunately, the wrong version of the song was selected, and the correct process wasn’t followed. We regret that we didn’t identify this before transmission.
‘We have made senior editors aware, and the team involved has been reminded of the proper processes.’
The gaffe comes just weeks after the BBC was condemned for allowing the same racial slur into its edited coverage of the annual BAFTA Awards.
Disability campaigner John Davidson, who suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome, was heard shouting the N-word as black Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first prize of the night for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Both actors made no acknowledgement of the outburst on stage and continued with presenting the award, with BAFTA host Alan apologising if the slur ’caused offence’ and explaining Davidson had decided to leave the ceremony.
Davidson, 54, later issued a statement saying he was ‘deeply mortified’ by his outburst, and emphasised his comments ‘are not a reflection of my personal beliefs’.
The Scotsman had been at the BAFTAs representing the film I Swear, which follows his story living with Tourette’s – a condition characterised by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics – since the age of 12.
While he did receive some backlash from Hollywood stars including Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce, much of the furor was aimed at the BBC for failing to edit out the slur prior to the awards ceremony airing, despite it not being broadcast live.
Davidson has now issued an apology ‘for any pain, upset and misunderstanding’ that his Tourette’s might create and thanked fans for their ‘love, support and solidarity’.
He added it had been a ‘difficult week’ as it was revealed the campaigner also had his bike had been stolen by thieves.
He wrote on social media: ‘I’ve been waiting all week until the dust settles after the weekend at the BAFTAs in London.
‘I would like to thank each and every one of you who have shown love, support and solidarity towards myself and the rest of the Tourette’s Community. Your kind words and support have got me through a very difficult week.
The under-fire broadcaster used an unspecified track by Childish Gambino, AKA Donald Glover (pictured) – unaware that its lyrics contained the N word
BBC Radio listeners heard the offending word during short bulletins about recently released children’s film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie at 12:45pm, and again at 5:45pm
Read More
BAFTA apologises ‘unreservedly’ after Tourette’s sufferer shouted racial slur during awards show
‘Whilst I will never apologies (sic) for having Tourette syndrome, i will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create.
‘This past week has been tough, and has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved.’
He went on to thank fans again for their support, adding: ‘I love you all.’
Davidson previously revealed that BAFTA bosses had assured him ‘that any swearing would be edited out of the broadcast’ and questioned why he was seated with a microphone just in front of him.
He said: ‘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.
‘As I reflect on the auditorium, I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic.’
The gaffe comes just weeks after the BBC was condemned for allowing the same racial slur into its edited coverage of the annual BAFTA Awards (pictured)
Daily Mail has contacted a BBC representative for further comment.
Davidson is Britain’s most high-profile sufferer of Tourette syndrome, which causes him to curse loudly, shout insults, and make sudden involuntary physical and vocal tics.
One of his biggest symptoms is coprolalia which makes him involuntarily say socially inappropriate words or phrases, including when he famously shouted ‘f*** the Queen’ at Queen Elizabeth II when he was awarded his MBE in 2019.
And when his car was being searched by police on entry to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Davidson involuntarily yelled: ‘A bomb! I’ve got a f***ing bomb!’
Tourette’s Action said it was ‘incredibly proud’ of Davidson and those involved in the film, including Robert Aramayo, who won best actor for his portrayal of the disability campaigner.
It went on to say that it had found the ‘backlash’ to the incident ‘deeply saddening’.
