entertainmentliberal

Warner Bros Pushes for BAFTA Cut, but the Request Falls Flat

London, United KingdomTuesday, February 24, 2026
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A swift response from Warner Bros. followed the BAFTA Film Awards when an actor inadvertently used a racial slur during a live presentation. The studio’s executives reached out to BAFTA immediately, requesting the removal of the moment from the BBC’s delayed broadcast.
  • Immediate Action: The studio maintained contact with BAFTA through Sunday night and met the organizers on Monday, learning that their request had been forwarded.
  • BBC’s Decision: Despite these assurances, the BBC aired the clip unchanged. The channel later issued an apology, claiming its producers were unaware of the outburst until after the show had already been broadcast—a claim contested by those who witnessed the incident live in the ceremony hall.
  • Public Backlash: The controversy sparked widespread anger, with viewers criticizing both BAFTA and the BBC for mishandling the situation.
  • Industry Response: BAFTA issued a statement taking full responsibility for the awkward moment and offered unreserved apologies to the actors involved, praising their professionalism under pressure.
  • Lessons Learned: The incident underscores how quickly sensitive content can spread through modern broadcasting and highlights the need for immediate, clear communication between event organizers and media partners. Even a well‑positioned studio can find its concerns overlooked amid the chaos of live TV.

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