BBC director-general Tony Hall apologises for racial slur in news report: ‘We made a mistake – we are very sorry’
Use of the N-word sparked 18,600 complaints
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC director-general, Tony Hall, has apologised on behalf of the corporation some ten days after the use of the N-word in a BBC News report.
The BBC was hit with more than 18,600 complaints over the use of the racial slur by its social affairs correspondent Fiona Lamdin, who is white.
She repeated the N-word in a report on what police believe to have been a racially motivated hit-and-run attack on a young NHS worker in Bristol.
While relaying what frightened witnesses allegedly heard the perpetrators shout as they fled, Ms Lamdin narrated in a pre-recorded segment: “Just to warn you, you’re about to hear highly offensive language, because as the men ran away, they hurled racial abuse, calling him a n*****.”
The BBC initially defended its decision, but according to media journalist Scott Bryan, Mr Hall has now emailed staff, saying: “The BBC now accepts that we should have taken a different approach at the time of broadcast and we are very sorry for that.”
He added: “It should be clear that the BBC’s intention was to highlight an alleged racist attack. This is important journalism which the BBC should be reporting on and we will continue to do so.
“Yet despite these good intentions, I recognise that we have ended up creating distress amongst many people.
“Every organisation should be able to acknowledge when it has made a mistake. We made one here. It is important for us to listen – and also to learn. And that is what we will continue to do.”
He added that the BBC is strengthening its guidance on offensive language. Mr Hall announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down as director-general after seven years in the role. Tim Davie, the head of BBC Studios, will replace him.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
The BBC’s initial refusal to apologise for the slur led to BBC Radio 1Xtra host Sideman quitting in protest. He said: “With no apology I just don’t feel comfortable being aligned with the organisation.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments