The BBC has found itself at the centre of fresh controversy after a racial slur was aired not once—but twice—during radio news bulletins, sparking outrage just weeks after a similar scandal rocked its coverage of the BAFTA Awards.
The mistake unfolded during two editions of Newsbeat on BBC Radio 1, where an uncensored track by Childish Gambino was used as background music. Unbeknown to producers, the song contained a racial slur that went out on air at 12:45pm—and then again at 5:45pm.
Listeners tuning in for updates on the newly released animated film The Super Mario Galaxy Movie were instead met with the offensive term, in what insiders have since branded “an appalling oversight in the edit suite.”
The track in question is performed by Donald Glover, who also stars in the film alongside a high-profile cast including Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black and Brie Larson.
A BBC spokesperson quickly issued an apology, admitting the clip should never have been included and confirming it was removed from BBC Sounds once the error was identified. Behind the scenes, senior editors were alerted, and staff were reminded of strict editorial procedures after it emerged that the wrong version of the track had been selected.
But the backlash has been swift—and fierce—given the timing.
Just weeks earlier, the broadcaster faced intense criticism after failing to edit out the same racial slur during its delayed broadcast of the BAFTAs. During the ceremony, disability campaigner John Davidson—who lives with Tourette’s Syndrome—was heard shouting the word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award on stage.
Although Davidson later said he was “deeply mortified” and stressed the outburst did not reflect his personal beliefs, much of the anger was directed at the BBC for failing to remove the moment before airing the pre-recorded show.
In a heartfelt statement, he apologised for any distress caused, explaining that his condition can trigger involuntary vocal tics, including inappropriate language. He thanked supporters for their “love, support and solidarity,” adding that it had been a difficult period following both the backlash and a personal incident involving theft.
The latest incident has only intensified scrutiny on the broadcaster’s editorial standards—raising serious questions about how such mistakes could happen twice in such a short space of time.
