The BBC has issued an apology following the broadcast of a racial slur during its coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards on . The offensive language was uttered by John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome, as presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo of Sinners were onstage.
Davidson, who is the inspiration behind the critically acclaimed film I Swear, experiences involuntary verbal tics as a result of his condition. These tics manifested during the ceremony, including the use of the N-word during the presentation of the best visual effects award to Avatar: Fire and Ash. The incident prompted audible gasps from the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall and sparked immediate debate both within the film community and online.
The BBC’s initial response was to acknowledge the “strong and offensive language” and to state that it arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, clarifying that it was not intentional. A fuller statement released midday in London stated, “We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.” The broadcast aired with a two-hour delay, raising questions about why the moment wasn’t removed before reaching a wider audience.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation multiple times throughout the evening, reminding viewers that Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and that the tics experienced by Davidson were involuntary. He offered an apology “if you were offended tonight.” Prior to the ceremony’s start, BAFTA staff informed attendees that Davidson had Tourette’s syndrome and that they might hear involuntary noises or movements. A source informed The Hollywood Reporter that presenters were also warned about Davidson’s tics shortly before going live.
Davidson reportedly left the ceremony of his own accord approximately 25 minutes into the show, following his outburst during Jordan and Lindo’s presentation. Prior to that, other tics were audible, including exclamations of “Bullshit!” and “Shut the fuck up.”
The fallout from the incident has been complex. Delroy Lindo, speaking at the Warner Bros. BAFTA afterparty, told Vanity Fair that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” while presenting, but expressed a desire for a direct communication from BAFTA regarding the situation. Conversations between the British Academy and studios are reportedly ongoing.
Many feel that both Black attendees at the BAFTA Film Awards and the Tourette’s community were failed by the handling of the incident. The situation has underscored questions about industry ableism, with some suggesting that Davidson shouldn’t have been invited to the ceremony at all, while others emphasize the importance of understanding and accommodation.
Production designer Hannah Beachler of Sinners expressed the difficulty of navigating the situation in a social media post, stating, “The situation is almost impossible.” She also criticized the “throw-away apology of ‘if you were offended.’” Beachler revealed that she herself experienced a tic-related outburst from Davidson after the show, on her way to dinner.
The win for Aramayo in the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award provided an opportunity to raise awareness about Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo dedicated his award to John Davidson, calling him “the most remarkable man” he had ever met and emphasizing the importance of education and understanding. He quoted the film I Swear, stating that people living with Tourette’s “need support and understanding.”
Social media reaction has been varied. Some have expressed a lack of understanding about Tourette’s syndrome, while others have been critical of Davidson’s outburst. Jamie Foxx, for example, commented on an Instagram post that the outburst was “unacceptable” and suggested intentionality, a statement that drew criticism for demonstrating a misunderstanding of the condition.
The incident at the BAFTAs has ignited a broader conversation about inclusivity, accessibility, and the responsibility of broadcasters and event organizers to create a safe and respectful environment for all attendees and viewers. It highlights the complexities of navigating unforeseen circumstances while upholding standards of decency and sensitivity.
