BAFTA Apologizes to Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo After N-Word Incident

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has issued a formal apology to actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo following an incident during the February 23rd, 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London. The apology addresses an onstage disruption caused by an audience member who involuntarily shouted a racial slur while Jordan and Lindo were presenting an award.

The incident occurred as Jordan and Lindo, stars of the film “Sinners,” were presenting the award for best visual effects at the Royal Festival Hall. The outburst was quickly identified as the N-word by those in attendance and viewers watching the broadcast.

In a statement released Monday, BAFTA acknowledged the harm caused and explained the circumstances surrounding the outburst. The organization stated that the individual is a campaigner for Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary verbal tics. BAFTA emphasized that these tics are not reflective of the individual’s beliefs and are not intentional.

“A loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room,” BAFTA’s statement read. “Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted.”

The ceremony was broadcast by the BBC with a two-hour delay, but the slur was not censored before airing, leading to immediate criticism online as viewers replayed and shared the moment. Both BAFTA and the BBC have since issued apologies, attributing the offensive language to the audience member’s Tourette syndrome.

Jordan and Lindo reportedly maintained composure and continued with their presentation of the award for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” despite the disruption. BAFTA later praised the actors for their “incredible dignity and professionalism” in handling the unexpected and upsetting situation.

Following the ceremony, Lindo shared that he and Jordan “did what [they] had to do” in the moment, but also expressed a desire for direct communication from BAFTA. He noted that no one from the organization had spoken to them immediately after the incident. BAFTA’s formal apology was issued approximately twelve hours after the broadcast concluded.

The audience member involved has also released a statement, reiterating that the verbal tic was involuntary and expressing regret for the offense caused. However, he did not issue a direct apology to Jordan or Lindo.

The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the challenges of broadcasting live events and the complexities of navigating unforeseen disruptions. The BBC has stated that This proves reviewing its procedures for handling similar situations in the future. BAFTA has pledged to keep inclusion at the core of its work, emphasizing its commitment to creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all guests and attendees.

This incident arrives at a sensitive time for the entertainment industry, which continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusivity. The swift condemnation of the outburst and the subsequent apologies from BAFTA and the BBC reflect a growing awareness of the need to address harmful language and create safe spaces for artists and audiences alike. The focus now shifts to how the industry can proactively prevent similar incidents and ensure that live events remain respectful and inclusive for everyone involved.

The incident also highlights the often-overlooked realities of living with Tourette’s syndrome. While the involuntary nature of the outburst was acknowledged by BAFTA and the BBC, the event underscores the challenges faced by individuals with the condition and the potential for unintentional harm. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and empathy when navigating complex medical conditions and their impact on public interactions.