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The BBC's director general 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. It comes after a racial slur was edited out of the ceremony, which was broadcast on BBC One; however, another aired in error.

A BBC spokesperson said: ",The BBC has been reviewing what happened at BAFTA on Sunday evening. This was a serious mistake and the director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants."

John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner, who inspired the film I Swear, shouted the N-word when American actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting an award. The slur was audible to BBC viewers, and host Alan Cumming apologised during his presenting duties.

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The BBC later issued an apology before content chief Kate Phillips emailed staff on Tuesday, adding that other instances of offensive language had been removed.

She told staff: "The edit team removed another racial slur from the broadcast."

Kate said the offensive language yelled at Michael and Delroy was "aired in error and we would never have knowingly allowed this to be broadcast".

John, who accidentally shouted the slur, said in a statement he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning".

He added: "I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing."

The activist told Vanity Fair following the incident: "Those who have seen I Swear will understand this. My tics have said and done things over the years that have caused huge pain and upset... Tourette's can make my body or voice do things I don't mean, and sometimes those tics land on the worst possible words. I want to be really clear that the intent behind them is zero."