Nazir Afzal and RISE have issued a series of recommendations to BAFTA following a review of a controversial incident at the 79th BAFTA Film Awards when racist slurs were heard during the ceremony due to an involuntary verbal tic associated with Tourette syndrome.

The incident provoked a considerable backlash and RISE were subsequently asked to independently review their procedures, establish the facts around what BAFTA did to fulfil its duty of care towards participants and viewers, and to consider what could or should have been done better or differently.

The review did not find evidence of malicious intent on the part of those involved in delivering the event. However, it did identify a number of structural weaknesses in BAFTA’s planning, escalation procedures and crisis coordination arrangements.

The report’s conclusion said it revealed that the organisation did not fully appreciate the nature of the risk associated with a live broadcast appearance.

“It also highlights a broader challenge for organisations seeking to deliver inclusive public events: the need to balance accessibility for participants with the safety and dignity of others in the room and watching at home. Inclusion planning must therefore consider not only the needs of an individual participant but also the wider context in which participation takes place.

“The issues identified in this review are therefore best understood not as a failure of intent, but as evidence that existing systems were not sufficiently robust for the complexity of a modern live broadcast environment. With clearer structures, stronger communication practices and more comprehensive planning, similar risks can be significantly reduced in future.”

It added that BAFTA remains a respected institution with a strong commitment to inclusion and to the global creative community. By subjecting itself to scrutiny and agreeing to adopt a series of recommendations, it will be better equipped to deliver inclusive, high-profile live events while protecting the wellbeing of participants, presenters, staff and audiences alike.

Published: 21-04-2026