Sideman quits Radio 1Xtra over BBC's use of n-word: ‘It felt like a slap in the face’

Corporation has defended its decision to broadcast a white presenter citing the racial slur

BBC 1Xtra DJ Sideman has quit the radio station in protest against 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, 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*****.”

In a video on Instagram, captioned "I can't look the other way", Sideman said: “The action and the defence of the action feels like a slap in the face of our community. That’s why, effective immediately, I’m leaving my job as a radio broadcaster for BBC 1Xtra. With no apology I just don’t feel comfortable being aligned with the organisation.”

He added: “The BBC sanctioning the n-word being said on national television by a white person is something I can't rock with.

"This is an error of judgement where I can't just smile with you through the process and act like everything is OK."

A spokesperson for BBC 1Xtra said: "Sideman is an incredibly talented DJ. Obviously we are disappointed that he has taken this decision.

"We absolutely wish him well for the future. The door is always open for future projects."

Sideman’s protest move has been applauded on social media. DJ Charlie Sloth said: "I admire and respect you David! Well done for standing up for what you believe is right! You're a King!! This world needs people like you!"

In a tweet, BBC Radio London presenter Eddie Nestor also described Sideman as a "king", adding that he was writing a public letter to BBC bosses.

Author Afua Hirsch said: “Standing w my brother DJ Sideman - who has quit @bbc1xtra in protest at BBC's astonishing decision to defend using the N-word on air @sidemanallday. Brave. Why does a black man have to walk away from his job for @BBCNews to listen to basic anti-racism? Tired of this s***.”

In response to Sideman's resignation, a BBC spokesperson said the decision to use the word in the report "was not taken lightly and without considerable detailed thought: we were aware that it would cause offence".

"The BBC set out the context of the news report about the shocking attack on an NHS worker in Bristol. As we have said, the word is highly offensive and we completely accept and understand why people have been upset by its use.

"But, in this specific context we felt the need to explain, and report, not just the injuries but, given their alleged extreme nature, the words alleged to have been used – a position which, as we have said, was supported by the family and the victim."