The director-general of the BBC has told its Executive Complaints Unit to carry out a fast-tracked investigation into the “serious mistake” during Sunday’s Bafta coverage which saw a racial slur broadcast.

Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, as result of his tics, could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects during the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

The incident has led to severe criticism of the BBC, Bafta, and independent producers.

The BBC apologised for failing to edit the slur from the broadcast and subsequently removed it from iPlayer.

Davidson was attending the awards ceremony as an active executive producer on the film, I Swear, which tells the story of his life with Tourette syndrome, which he developed when he was 12.

Lindo later revealed Bafta officials did not speak to him or Jordan after the event.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Lindo stated he wished “someone from Bafta spoke to us afterwards”.

Filmmaker Jonte Richardson has since announced his resignation as a Bafta judge, citing the academy’s “utterly unforgivable” handling of the incident.

He confirmed he would no longer serve on the emerging talent judging panel.

A spokesperson for Bafta said in a statement: “At the Bafta Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.

“One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.”

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