Bafta doubles down on preparations for Sunday TV awards after N-word fallout

Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan on stage presenting a Bafta prize in February. Photograph: Stuart Wilson/Bafta/Getty Images for BAFTAView image in fullscreenDelroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan on stage presenting a Bafta prize in February. Photograph: Stuart Wilson/Bafta/Getty Images for BAFTABaftasBafta doubles down on preparations for Sunday TV awards after N-word falloutCeremony organisers taking event procedures ‘extremely seriously’ after broadcast of racial slur in FebruaryTara ConlanSun 10 May 2026 07.00 BSTLast modified on Sun 10 May 2026 07.02 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleUsually the most scrutiny at the glittering Bafta TV Awards is reserved for the stars’ outfits on the red carpet and the winners’ acceptance speeches. But this Sunday those behind the show will be watching with bated breath and taking the event “extremely seriously” after changes were made to how TV coverage of Bafta’s awards ceremonies is handled after the broadcast of racially offensive words during February’s Bafta film awards.One BBC source said: “It’s usually sunny the day of the TV awards, but the heat will be felt even more this year until the final credits roll and the reaction on social media is checked.” During February’s event, microphones picked up John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, involuntarily using the N-word from his seat in the audience while the actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage presenting a prize. The film I Swear, inspired by Davidson’s experiences dealing with TS, was up for a number of awards. Show host Alan Cumming apologised immediately and the word – which was repeated by Davidson later – should have been edited out as the Baftas are filmed with a delay. But the production team (who were in a truck outside the ceremony venue) did not hear the earlier occasion and only edited out Davidson’s second use of it. The incident led Bafta to review its planning and procedures, and apologise “unreservedly”. There was also a review and an...