Wunmi Mosaku Slams BBC Over Racist Slur Broadcast at Baftas
Actress Wunmi Mosaku has blasted the BBC for airing a racial slur shouted at last month’s Bafta Awards, revealing the broadcaster’s decision left her unable to sleep and in tears.
Tourette’s Campaigner’s Outburst Controversy
Speaking on the red carpet at the Actor Awards in Los Angeles, the Sinners star made it clear she holds no grudge against John Davidson, the man who shouted the slur involuntarily due to his Tourette’s. “I have no hard feelings towards John Davidson at all,” Mosaku said. “He has a condition. I feel like Bafta has a lot of lessons to learn.”
She was present at the ceremony when Davidson directed the offensive word at fellow Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo. Mosaku described the incident as “tainting” what should have been a celebration.
BBC’s Broadcast Decision Sparks Outrage
Mosaku slammed the BBC for leaving the moment in the live broadcast. “That’s the bit that really kind of kept me awake at night and brought tears to my eyes,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I was like, you really chose to keep that in? I can’t understand it, and I’m not sure if I can forgive it.”
She also condemned the event’s handling, calling it “exploitative and performative” to have someone with such a condition on stage without adequate protection – especially with children in the audience.
Aftermath and Apologies
- Co-star Delroy Lindo publicly thanked supporters at the NAACP Image Awards for their response to the incident.
- The BBC has apologised and launched a fast-tracked investigation through its Executive Complaints Unit.
- The corporation has yet to respond further to Mosaku’s powerful criticism.
