BBC faces criticism over removal of Free Palestine tribute from BAFTA awards

BBC Faces Backlash Over Edited Coverage of BAFTAs

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has faced criticism after it edited out a section of its coverage of the recent British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), where prize-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr made comments that included “Free Palestine”. The remarks were absent from the BBC’s two-hour delayed broadcast, prompting accusations of censorship.

During his acceptance speech for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer, Davies Jr expressed solidarity with those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and experiencing genocide. He also called on viewers to archive their loved ones, stories, and histories, specifically referencing Nigeria, London, Congo, Sudan, and Palestine.

Amnesty International’s UK chapter described the move to cut the speech as “shameful”. The organization praised Davies Jr for using his platform to speak out for the rights of migrants and people facing persecution.

In a separate incident during the broadcast, a racial slur was audible in an audience segment where Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo read out an award for best visual effects. The BBC apologized for not omitting this outburst when airing the event, stating it arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome.

The broadcaster declined to comment further on its editorial decisions regarding the BAFTA Awards, including the removal of Davies Jr’s “Free Palestine” remarks.

Source: Al Jazeera