Google has apologised after a computer-generated news alert about the BAFTA Film Awards racial slur incident included the N-word.
Deadline reports that Google pushed out a notification linking to a The Hollywood Reporter article, which had the headline: “How the Tourette’s Fallout Unfolded at the BAFTA Film Awards.” The alert invited readers to “see more on” and then included the N-word.
The notification was screenshotted and posted by Instagram user Danny Price. He said: “What an interesting Black History month this has turned out to be.” Price’s full post containing the unedited alert can be viewed here.
Danny Price’s screenshots of the Google alert. Image: Instagram
A Google spokesperson told Deadline: “We’re very sorry for this mistake. We’ve removed the offensive notification and are working to prevent this from happening again.”
Google has made it clear that the news alert was tech-related, not AI-generated.
Google said its systems “recognised a euphemism for an offensive term on several web pages, and accidentally applied the offensive term to the notification text.” It added: “This system error did not involve AI. Our safety filters did not properly trigger, which is what caused this.“
Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presenting at the 2026 BAFTAs should have been a career-defining moment. Source: BBC
BAFTA judge resigns after racial slur scandal
Jonte Richardson has announced he will step down as a BAFTA judge over its handling of the highly offensive and controversial incident.
The award-winning writer, director and producer decided to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel after the scandal at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Mr Richardson wrote on LinkedIn yesterday: “After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel.
“‘The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.
“‘This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 ‘Just Act Normal’.
“However, when an organisation like Bafta, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.
“I hope Bafta leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.”
What happened at the BAFTAs with Sinners presenters?
The incident occurred as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan – part of the team responsible for the incredible 2025 movie Sinners, which has garnered 16 Oscar nominations this year – were on stage presenting the evening’s first award.
Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, attending as the subject of the nominated film I Swear, was heard shouting the N-word as they began their presentation.
The BBC has since conceded the language should have been edited out before transmission.
A spokesperson said: “We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
In a separate statement, the corporation added: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.”
The broadcaster declined to comment further on why the slur was not bleeped or removed despite the delay.