BBC cuts filmmaker's 'Free Palestine' remark from BAFTA speech

The BBC is facing criticism after cutting filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.’s "Free Palestine" remark from its BAFTA broadcast while allowing the N-word to air during the same ceremony.

Davies Jr., who won the BAFTA for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer for 'My Father’s Shadow', ended his speech at the recorded ceremony by saying: "For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you."

"To the economic migrant, the conflict migrant, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution and those experiencing genocide, you matter, and your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance. To those watching at home, archive your loved ones, archive your stories yesterday, today and forever."

However, when the ceremony aired two hours later on BBC One and iPlayer, the political section of his speech, including "free Palestine", had been removed. Only the portion thanking his family and co-screenwriter Wale Davies was broadcast.

The edit has prompted accusations of selective censorship, particularly as another controversial moment from the ceremony was not removed.

During the broadcast, Tourette’s advocate John Davidson shouted the N-word while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed the incident live, saying: "You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone."

In a later statement, Cumming added: "Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight."

While the outburst remained in the televised edit, Davies Jr.’s call for Palestinian freedom did not.

The BBC routinely trims the BAFTAs broadcast from around three hours to two, and speeches are often shortened for time. However, the decision to remove the "free Palestine" line has reignited longstanding criticism over the broadcaster’s handling of Palestinian-related content.

Writing on X, one user wrote: "The BAFTA’s edited out someone saying Free Palestine during an acceptance speech but couldn’t mute the man shouting racial slurs at POC on the stage."

Another user said: "According to Bafta, Free Palestine” is the slur not the N-word…."

This comes as the corporation faces scrutiny in recent months over editorial decisions relating to coverage of the Gaza war, including refusal to broadcast a documentary on Gaza medics and complaints from staff and contributors over language and framing of the conflict.

Critics argue the latest edit reinforces perceptions that expressions of solidarity with Palestinians are treated as political interventions requiring removal, even when made in the context of broader humanitarian remarks.

Representatives for the BBC did not immediately respond to The New Arab's requests for comment.

The controversy comes amid heightened sensitivity around public statements on Gaza, with cultural institutions across the UK facing pressure over how they handle expressions of support for Palestinians.