BAFTA’s inclusion committee is set to meet on March 4 to discuss the controversy surrounding last month’s film awards, where Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson inadvertently used the N-word during the ceremony.
Sources say the committee will examine how BAFTA handled Davidson’s attendance and support, after the racial slurs were directed at actors Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku, who was collecting her Supporting Actress award.
Some members have expressed disquiet that the inclusion and disability advisory groups were not fully consulted, raising concerns about their influence at the charity.
The committee, chaired by ITV chief people officer Ade Rawcliffe, forms part of BAFTA’s Learning, Inclusion and Talent framework. The disability advisory group, a sub-committee chaired by ITV’s head of diversity Sam Tatlow, also plays a role in advising on accessibility and inclusion.
BAFTA has apologised for the incident and is reviewing its procedures. The charity noted that Davidson had support on the night, including an access producer, coordinator and wellbeing staff, but acknowledged that the situation “put our guests in a very difficult situation” and promised to “keep inclusion at the core of all we do.”
