BAFTA, BBC Apologize for Racial Slur During Awards Ceremony

The British Academy Film Awards and BBC issued formal apologies Monday following an incident during Sunday’s ceremony where a racial slur was audibly broadcast while Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects.

The slur, which came from Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson who was in attendance at the ceremony, prompted immediate backlash and led to a series of statements addressing the situation.

Davidson, who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” expressed deep remorse in a statement released Monday. “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” he said, emphasizing that his condition’s manifestations are not reflective of his personal beliefs. Davidson noted that he chose to leave the auditorium early in the ceremony “as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts apologized for the broadcast of “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” while also thanking Jordan and Lindo for their “incredible dignity and professionalism” in handling the situation.

During the ceremony, host Alan Cumming had informed the audience that Davidson, a well-known advocate for those with Tourette syndrome, was present. After the incident, Cumming apologized to attendees at London’s Royal Festival Hall, explaining, “Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.”

The BBC, which broadcast the ceremony on a two-hour delay, faced criticism for not editing out the offensive word. The broadcaster acknowledged the failure in a statement: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.”

Medical experts note that Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds called tics. According to the U.S. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these tics may appear purposeful but are not under voluntary control. The Tourette Association of America reports that approximately 10-15% of people with the syndrome experience coprolalia—involuntary utterances of socially inappropriate words or phrases.

Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action charity, called for greater public understanding of the condition. “We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character,” McNally stated.

The incident occurred during an otherwise celebratory evening for the film “I Swear,” which won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson in the film. The movie has brought increased awareness to Tourette syndrome while also highlighting the challenges faced by those living with the condition.

Following the incident, the program was temporarily removed from the BBC’s iPlayer streaming service, with the broadcaster confirming that the offensive content would be edited out of future broadcasts.

Representatives for “Sinners,” which stars Jordan and Lindo, and for the actors themselves did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.