BAFTA issues apology after slur at awards show night

The BAFTA issued a full public apology after a racial slur was shouted during its Film Awards ceremony on Sunday. The offensive outburst had interrupted presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo as they appeared on stage. The incident had occurred inside London’s Royal Festival Hall. It quickly overshadowed Britain’s most prominent film celebration and sparked widespread debate about live broadcasting, disability awareness, and institutional responsibility.

According to BAFTA, the outburst came from John Davidson MBE, a Tourette’s campaigner who was attending the event. While the ceremony continued, the remark was audible to the audience and later to viewers who were already watching the delayed broadcast. As a result, BAFTA said that it “apologizes unreservedly” to those affected and accepted full responsibility for the situation.

Meanwhile, the BBC, which aired the ceremony on a two-hour delay, also apologized for failing to remove what it described as “strong and offensive language” before transmission.

What actually happened during the BAFTA ceremony?

The slur was heard early in the program while Jordan and Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects. BAFTA had warned attendees in advance that Davidson might make involuntary vocalizations. However, the severity of the language caused immediate shock. Earlier, Davidson had also interrupted introductory remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt.

Importantly, Davidson is an executive producer and the real-life inspiration behind I Swear, which was also a BAFTA-nominated short directed by Kirk Jones. The film stars Robert Aramayo, who won best actor on the night, has surpassed nominees such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.

After roughly 25 minutes, Davidson chose to leave the auditorium and watch from another room. For the decision, BAFTA also thanked him. Later, a leading digital and print magazine, “The Hollywood Reporter”, reported that the move was voluntary.

Defense and Apology: Tourette’s Context and BAFTA’s Response

Following intense online criticism, the U.K. charity Tourette’s Action defended Davidson. They stated that the involuntary tics “are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character”. BAFTA echoed that view and noted that Tourette syndrome causes “involuntary verbal tics that the individual has no control over”.

Nevertheless, BAFTA acknowledged the harm caused. “Our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many”, the academy said. It added that it would “learn from this” while keeping inclusion central to future ceremonies. It reinforced its belief in film as “a critical conduit for compassion and empathy”.

Web Resources on BAFTA Awards Controversy

1. VanityFair.com: Outcry Roils BAFTAs After Guest With Tourette Syndrome Shouts N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo
2. CNN.com: British film awards interrupted by racist slur from man with Tourette syndrome
3. TheHollywoodReporter.com: Tourette’s Debate Sparked at BAFTA Film Awards
4. TheIndependent.com: BBC removes Bafta 2026 ceremony from iPlayer after racial slur controversy