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1Xtra DJ Sideman quits BBC over use of racist term in news report

<p>1Xtra presenter Sideman announced his immediate departure from the station on social media following the report, which contained the N-word.</p><p>The story saw social affairs correspondent Fiona Lamdin repeat the word, which was allegedly used in a <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/fourth-man-arrested-on-suspicion-of-attempted-murder-of-nhs-worker-12042364" target="_blank"><strong>racially-motivated attack</strong></a> in Bristol.</p><p>It ran on the BBC News Channel and local news programme Points West on 29 July, but the broadcaster stopped running it later that day.</p><p>In a video posted on Instagram, Sideman, real name David Whitely, said: "This is an error in judgement where I can't just smile with you through the process and act like everything is okay.</p><p>"I'm happy working with organisations until we all get it right, but this feels like more than getting it wrong", he continued.</p><p>"The action and the defence of the action feels like a slap in the face to our community.</p><p>"With no apology I just don't feel comfortable being aligned with the organisation."</p><p>On Thursday, the BBC said it had received 18,656 complaints over the news report.</p><p>A spokesman said: "The BBC set out the context of the news report about the shocking attack on an NHS worker in Bristol.</p><p>"As we have said, the word is highly offensive and we completely accept and understand why people have been upset by its use.</p><p>"The decision to use the word was not taken lightly and without considerable detailed thought: we were aware that it would cause offence.</p><p>"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."</p><p>Sideman said he had enjoyed his time at the BBC and has had "great opportunities", but added: "Money and opportunity doesn't outweigh the dissatisfaction that I feel with this situation.</p><p>"This is wild to me, especially in the current social climate, and I can't make any sense of it no matter how much I think about it, so I think it is time that I left."</p><p>A spokesman for Radio 1Xtra said: "Sideman is an incredibly talented DJ. Obviously we are disappointed that he has taken this decision.</p><p>"We absolutely wish him well for the future. The door is always open for future projects."</p>