BBC edits out "Free Palestine" at BAFTAs, leaves in racial slur from man with Tourette Syndrome

The BBC did people with Tourette Syndrome no favors by broadcasting a racial slur at the BAFTA awards. That they could have spared audiences was evident from the two-hour tape delay and the editing out of Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr's cry of "Free Palestine!"

The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film "I Swear," about a man with Tourette syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it. The actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, went on to win the night's award for best actor.

Here's a guess at the logic behind last night's shambles: as the slur was an unintentional result of a nervous system disorder, it's appropriate to broadcast it. Solemnly empathize with all parties. Taking offence is rude and childish. Statements such as "Free Palestine," though, are intentional and unsanctioned political statements, and therefore the proper subject of censorship.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch told Good Morning Britain the BBC had made "a horrible mistake" by not editing it out at the time, adding: "I think an apology is important, they need to explain why it wasn't bleeped out."

Update: The BBC "apologizes".

In its statement, the BBC said: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards.

"This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional."

What was quoted seems more an explanation than an apology. BAFTA Host Alan Cummings got closer on the night. "We apologise if you were offended," he said—the classic anti-apology that always just makes things worse!

The film itself looks like a fascinating and revealing study of John Davidson and Tourettes, and deserving of better consideration than he and it got last night.