Following my letter to the BBC and BAFTA after the airing of a racist slur during the BAFTA Film Awards, I recently met with BBC representatives, including Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, in my Parliamentary office to discuss directly the impact this broadcast had on audiences and communities.
I made clear my serious concerns about the decision to air racist language on national television and the harm this caused, particularly for Black viewers who should never have to relive or experience that kind of racism through mainstream broadcasting. At the same time, I also stressed the importance of approaching this issue with care, compassion and understanding in relation to John Davidson and his experience of Tourette’s, ensuring that neurological conditions are never stigmatised in the process.
This is about getting the balance right, standing firmly against racism while also ensuring dignity and respect for disabled people and those living with neurological conditions.
I welcome the BBC’s commitment to continue engaging on this issue and I look forward to meeting with them again to discuss the findings in the investigation and ensure stronger safeguards are put in place so that nothing like this happens again.
I am also pleased to say that I will be hosting a screening in Parliament next month of the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, which follows the life and experiences of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson.
To read my full letter, visit:
https://www.dawnbutler.org.uk/bbc_and_bafta_airing_racist_words