The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were overshadowed by a deeply unsettling incident on Sunday, as a racial slur was audibly broadcast during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The BBC has since issued an apology for failing to edit out the offensive language from its coverage of the ceremony, sparking widespread criticism and a broader conversation about inclusivity and accessibility at high-profile events.
The incident occurred as Jordan and Lindo were onstage to present the award for Best Visual Effects. John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome and the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” involuntarily shouted the slur. The BBC’s broadcast of the awards show was delayed by two hours, but the offensive language was not removed before airing and remained available on BBC iPlayer for a period before being taken down. The incident highlights the complexities of broadcasting live events and the challenges of balancing the need for immediate coverage with the responsibility to protect audiences from harmful content.
What Happened During the Broadcast?
According to reports, Davidson’s outburst was audible, though many viewers initially struggled to discern the word. The BBC acknowledged the incident, stating that the language stemmed from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional. “We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer,” a BBC spokesperson said, as reported by BBC News. The corporation declined to provide further comment on why the slur wasn’t initially edited or bleeped from the broadcast.
Davidson’s story is at the heart of “I Swear,” a film that explores his diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome at age 25, his struggles with the condition, and his advocacy work. The film’s title references his uncontrollable swearing, a common symptom of Tourette’s. The incident has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette’s syndrome and the importance of understanding and accommodating their needs.
Outcry and Apologies from BAFTA and Celebrities
The decision not to edit the slur sparked immediate outrage online and from prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the BBC, calling it “a horrible mistake” and stating that an apology was necessary, along with an explanation for why the slur wasn’t removed. Actor Jamie Foxx also expressed his disapproval, labeling the incident “unacceptable” in an Instagram post, according to NBC News.
Both BAFTA and the BBC have since issued apologies to Jordan and Lindo. BAFTA acknowledged the “harm this has caused” and pledged to address the situation and apologize to all affected parties. Lindo, speaking to Vanity Fair after the ceremony, stated that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” to continue presenting the award, but expressed his wish that “someone from Bafta spoke to us afterward,” as Variety reported.
Davidson’s Apology and Ongoing Discussion
John Davidson himself has also issued an apology for the outburst. USA Today reported that Davidson expressed his remorse for the distress caused by his involuntary vocalization. The incident has ignited a broader discussion about the responsibility of broadcasters to address unexpected offensive language, the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette’s syndrome, and the need for greater sensitivity and understanding in public spaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Tourette syndrome as “a condition of the nervous system that causes people to create sudden and repeated twitches, movements, or sounds, called ‘tics.’”
As BAFTA and the BBC navigate the fallout from this incident, the focus will likely turn to reviewing protocols for live broadcasts and ensuring that future events are more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with disabilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for unforeseen disruptions and the importance of preparedness and sensitivity in the face of unexpected challenges.
What steps will BAFTA and the BBC take to prevent similar incidents in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
