Celebrity4 min(s) read
BBC issues apology after racial slur was shouted while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage
The BBC has apologized after a racial slur was yelled out while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage during the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards.
The moment unfolded as the Sinners stars presented the first award of the night for best visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Jordan and Lindo, who are Black, appeared to briefly pause after the “N-word” was yelled at them before continuing with their presentation.
In an email statement to NBC News, the BBC addressed the incident directly: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026."
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard," they added.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Tourette syndrome as “a condition of the nervous system that causes people to make sudden and repeated twitches, movements, or sounds, called ‘tics.’”
The individual was identified as John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner and the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear.
Davidson was in attendance with the nominated film, which follows the story of his Tourette syndrome diagnosis, his struggles and his journey to raise public awareness.
Social media reactions
The moment quickly ignited fierce debate across social media.
Some users described Tourette’s as “debilitating” and urged compassion and understanding for a condition many say is still widely misunderstood. But others were far less forgiving about how the situation unfolded on such a high-profile stage.
Several critics questioned why the BBC, which aired the ceremony on a two-hour delay. did not censor the racial slur before broadcast.
"The BBC omitted 'free Palestine' from their broadcast of the BAFTAs, which is on a 2 hour delay, but not the part where two Black men were called a racial slur while on stage," one user wrote.
Another said: "I'm sorry, this is WILDLY unacceptable on so many levels - mostly so from @BAFTA We can all understand he has a condition, but this is subjecting Jordan and Lindo to racial trauma, which everyone needs to understand is UNACCEPTABLE on every level."
"The fact that they apologized to the BAFTA audience publicly, but not directly to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan continues the tradition of prioritizing white comfort over Black trauma," they added.
Multiple Outbursts Reported During Ceremony
According to Variety, the racial slur directed at Jordan and Lindo was not the only outburst.
Someone purportedly shouted “shut the f*** up” as BAFTA chair Sara Putt gave an introductory speech and “f*** you” when the award for best children’s and family film was being accepted, Variety reported.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming acknowledged the “strong and offensive language” multiple times throughout the evening.
"You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” he said, referencing I Swear. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
After Davidson exited, Cumming again reminded attendees: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Robert Aramayo won best actor on Sunday night, over Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, and Michael B. Jordan. He also won the BAFTA Rising Star Award.
While accepting his prize, he praised Davidson, telling the crowd: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met. He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”
“For people living with Tourette’s, it’s us around them who help them define what their experience is,” Aramayo said. “So, to quote the film, they need support and understanding.”