BAFTA Apologizes After Racist Slur Interrupts Awards Show Featuring Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has accepted “full responsibility” for a racist slur shouted by an audience member during Sunday’s awards ceremony, as “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award. The incident, which occurred at London’s Royal Festival Hall, sparked immediate outcry and a swift apology from both BAFTA and the BBC.

“We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all,” BAFTA stated in a statement released Monday morning. “We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.”

The disruption occurred as Jordan and Lindo were presenting the visual effects category. An individual in the audience shouted the N-word, prompting a visible pause from the two actors. BAFTA Awards host Alan Cumming later addressed the incident, referencing the nominated film “I Swear,” which tells the story of Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson. Cumming explained that the outburst was an involuntary tic associated with Tourette syndrome, and apologized for any offense caused.

Tourette syndrome, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds (tics). The Tourette Assn. Of America notes that some individuals with Tourette syndrome may experience coprolalia, the involuntary utterance of obscene or socially inappropriate remarks, which do not reflect the person’s beliefs or opinions.

BAFTA acknowledged that efforts were made to inform audiences that Davidson was present and that involuntary tics might occur. However, the organization also issued an “unreserved apology to [Jordan and Lindo], and to all those impacted” by the slur. They also thanked Jordan and Lindo for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.”

Davidson, who is an executive producer on “I Swear” and was in attendance, subsequently left the ceremony. Actor Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson in the film, went on to win the leading actor prize. Davidson released a statement expressing his mortification if his involuntary tics were perceived as intentional or carrying meaning, but did not directly address Jordan or Lindo.

The BBC also issued an apology for failing to edit out the slur from its broadcast of the ceremony, which aired with a two-hour delay. According to the Associated Press, the network had edited other portions of the broadcast, including a comment about “Free Palestine,” but not the racist language. The BBC has since stated it will edit the slur from the version available on BBC iPlayer.

The incident quickly ignited a broader conversation on social media, with many expressing outrage and raising questions about the responsibility of broadcasters and event organizers. Production designer Hannah Beachler alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that similar outbursts occurred multiple times during the evening, including instances directed at herself and another Black woman. She criticized what she described as a dismissive apology at the end of the show.

Several prominent figures also weighed in. Journalist Jemele Hill, actor Wendell Pierce, and Black List founder Franklin Leonard criticized the expectation that Jordan and Lindo should continue with the presentation after being subjected to the slur, and the initial lack of accountability from BAFTA. Pierce tweeted that the priority should have been a “complete and full throated” apology to the two actors.

Jamie Foxx and Charlamagne tha God also shared their reactions. Foxx, in Instagram comments, suggested that Davidson’s use of the slur was intentional, while Charlamagne tha God questioned whether Davidson was taught the language and called for accountability from the awards show’s organizers. He emphasized that having a disability does not excuse disrespectful behavior.

Tourettes Action, a UK-based organization, responded to the negative commentary surrounding Davidson, urging understanding and education about Tourette syndrome. The organization stated that misunderstanding can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even suicide, and emphasized the importance of education and compassion.

The BAFTA incident underscores the complexities of navigating involuntary expressions of language within a public forum, and the need for sensitivity, understanding, and swift action when harmful language is used, regardless of the circumstances. The fallout continues to unfold as the industry grapples with the implications of this incident and the broader issues it raises.