BAFTA apologises to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo after guest with Tourette syndrome shouted racial slur: "It carries incomparable trauma and pain"

Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award at BAFTA

• BAFTA 2026 faced backlash after a racial slur was shouted onstage
• BBC and BAFTA issued apologies for the offensive outburst
• John Davidson, with Tourette syndrome, caused the tic incident

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The BAFTA 2026 award ceremony faced criticism after attendees with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage.

Following the controversy, both the BBC and the British Academy have issued an official apology.

During the award ceremony, Jordan and Lindo were on-stage to present Avatar: Fire and Ash with the Best Visual Effects award, when someone from the audience yelled a racist comment. The outburst, which was brought on by Davidson's condition, was aired on the broadcast.

The Academy said in a statement posted on its official website, "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all."

The statement added, "One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, "I Swear", which is based on his life experience."

The BAFTA stated that they had taken action by informing people in attendance of Sunday's ceremony about Davidson's illness.

The statement continued, "Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.

It further noted, "During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him."

Also Read: Who is Robert Aramayo? All about the actor who made BAFTA history with double win

For the unversed, Davidson was the inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear. He also served as an executive producer on the film. The movie chronicles his hardships and his quest to increase public awareness when he was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at the age of 25. His uncontrolled swearing, a characteristic of the illness, is referenced in the title.

BAFTA 2026 was held at London's Royal Festival Hall on February 22.