Tape-delayed broadcast left racial slur unedited

A post-broadcast decision

February 23, 2026 – The BBC has removed the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony from BBC iPlayer after a racial slur — the N-word — was left unedited in a tape-delayed broadcast. The decision came after viewer complaints and growing criticism over how the incident was handled on air.
Content withdrawn.

Image Credit: BAFTA via Getty Images

What went wrong

The awards ceremony was broadcast on a delay, a safeguard typically used to prevent offensive or inappropriate content from airing. Despite this, a spoken N-word outburst was not removed before transmission, prompting questions about editorial oversight and internal review processes.
Safeguards failed.

Image Credit: BAFTA via Getty Images

BBC responds

Following backlash, the BBC confirmed the programme was taken down from iPlayer while the incident is reviewed. The broadcaster acknowledged the seriousness of the error and indicated that procedures around live and delayed broadcasts would be reassessed.
Review underway.

Reaction from viewers and industry

The mistake sparked anger and disappointment among viewers, many of whom questioned how such language could remain in a pre-recorded broadcast. Industry observers also noted the incident highlights the pressure broadcasters face when managing live awards shows with complex accessibility and inclusion considerations.
Trust questioned.

Image Credit: BAFTA via Getty Images

BAFTA context

The incident occurred during the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Film Awards, one of the UK’s most high-profile cultural broadcasts. Given the ceremony’s prominence, the error quickly became a national talking point.
High-profile fallout.

Image Credit: BAFTA via Getty Images

Final thoughts

Removing the broadcast underscores the BBC’s recognition of the gravity of the mistake. But the episode also raises broader concerns about accountability, delay-system reliability, and how broadcasters balance inclusivity, safety, and live television risk.

FAQs

Q1: Why was the BAFTA broadcast removed from iPlayer?
Because a racial slur was left unedited in the tape-delayed broadcast.

Q2: Was the show aired live?
No, it was broadcast on delay.

Q3: What platform removed the programme?
BBC iPlayer.

Q4: Has the BBC responded?
Yes, the BBC acknowledged the error and is reviewing procedures.

Q5: Why is this significant?
It raises concerns about editorial controls on major cultural broadcasts.