BBC and BAFTA’s shitshow called out by Sinners cast

The cast of Sinners has called out the BAFTAs and BBC for exploiting a man’s disability whilst also blindsiding black presenters and audience members.

Last week, the BBC made the ridiculous editorial decision to broadcast an involuntary, racist slur by John Davidson, a white man with Tourette’s. Of course, that resulted in widespread upset and huge increases in racism.

It also sparked heated animosity between Black and disabled communities in the UK. But that is probably precisely what the BBC intended.

The Canary’s Maddison Wheeldon previously reported that:

the BBC seemingly reassured executives from Warner Bros it would not broadcast the slur.

She added:

the BBC may have deliberately left this offensive incident in the cut. This carries considerable weight given the absence of other inappropriate slurs that came as a result of Davidson’s tics.

BBC — Exploitation, not inclusivity

We have to question why production companies, movie producers, and even media outlets (I’m looking at you, BBC) are not providing the necessary resources to keep people from diverse backgrounds and with varied lived experiences safe. 

It’s nothing short of exploitation when they fail to do that.

The BBC were able to censor homophobia. So why couldn’t they muster up enough energy between the whole production team to censor deeply offensive and oppressive, racist language?

Jayme Lawson was putting the blame where it belongs, with the BAFTAs and BBC.

Lawson also called out both organisations for censoring Akinola Davies Jr. She called for a Free Palestine during her speech.

It’s funny how the BBC remembered to censor that one, isn’t it?

What John Davidson did was not his fault. However, that does not omit the harm that his words caused to black people.

Additionally, speaking about the ableism that the BAFTAs have shone a light on makes zero sense as a standalone issue. Unless you’re going to also speak out about the harm black people faced in hearing those words, and the racist backlash they have then faced for speaking out about said harm. Because the issue here is the BBC exploiting one issue to stir up another.

But it all seems to be a game to the BBC. Do the bosses care about anything more than clicks and views?

Clearly, the British public service broadcaster places more value on causing an absolute shitstorm of racism by exploiting a man’s disability than it does on keeping their presenters and viewers safe. So why are they still getting the license fee?

As Jayme Lawson said so perfectly:

You want to celebrate our art, but you won’t protect it.

Feature image via BETNetworks/ YouTube