The BBC has issued an apology after a racial slur was broadcast during its coverage of the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The offensive language was uttered by a guest with Tourette’s syndrome while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award, according to reports from the BBC and other news outlets.
The incident occurred as Jordan and Lindo were presenting the first prize of the evening. The slur, the N-word, was audible during the live broadcast, which was delayed by two hours, and remained available on BBC iPlayer before being removed. The BBC has since removed the segment from its streaming service and apologized for the oversight. This incident has sparked a conversation about the challenges of broadcasting live events and the complexities surrounding involuntary vocalizations associated with Tourette’s syndrome.
Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome and Involuntary Tics
Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by sudden, repetitive, and involuntary movements or sounds called tics. These tics can range from simple motor movements, like eye blinking or shoulder shrugging, to complex vocalizations, including the involuntary utterance of words or phrases. According to the Tourette’s Action charity, between 10% and 30% of individuals with Tourette’s experience vocal tics that involve socially unacceptable language, including swearing as reported by the BBC.
Pippa McClounan, communications manager of Tourette’s Action, emphasized the crucial understanding that these tics are involuntary. “What we’ve got to strive and remember is, as much as these words do cause hurt and shock in people, it’s really vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette’s syndrome, that the tics are involuntary, and they are in no way a reflection of what that person is thinking and their beliefs,” she stated.
The Response and Apology from the BBC
The BBC acknowledged the incident and issued a statement apologizing for the offensive language. “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,” the statement read as reported by The Independent. A spokesperson further confirmed that the segment had been removed from BBC iPlayer.
Presenter Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the broadcast, explaining the nature of Tourette’s syndrome to the audience. He clarified that the tics are involuntary and apologized for any offense caused. The incident prompted criticism from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who stated the BBC made “a horrible mistake” by not editing out the slur in real-time and emphasized the importance of an apology and explanation according to the BBC.
The Individual Involved and the Film “I Swear”
The individual who uttered the slur has been identified as John Davidson, whose life story is depicted in the film “I Swear.” The film, which stars Robert Aramayo, chronicles Davidson’s experiences living with Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo won Best Actor and the EE Rising Star award at the BAFTAs, and the film likewise secured Best Casting. Davidson’s tics were audible throughout the ceremony, including instances of shouting words like “boring” and expletives as reported by the Associated Press.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette’s syndrome and the importance of understanding the involuntary nature of their tics. The BBC’s handling of the situation, and the subsequent apology, highlight the complexities of broadcasting live events and the need for sensitivity when dealing with potentially offensive content.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how broadcasters will navigate similar situations in the future, balancing the need to provide unfiltered coverage with the responsibility to protect audiences from harmful language. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding when encountering individuals with neurological conditions like Tourette’s syndrome.
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