BBC Apologizes for Racial Slur at Bafta Film Awards
The BBC has issued an apology after a guest with Tourette's syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards. The incident occurred as two black actors were on stage presenting an award.
John Davidson, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, uttered the N-word while Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the film Sinners, presented the first prize at the ceremony on Sunday. The event was broadcast on BBC One.
A BBC spokesperson stated:
"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."
The racial slur was audible in the broadcast, although many viewers may have found it difficult to discern the word clearly. The moment was not edited out of the programme, which was shown on a two-hour delay, and initially remained available on BBC the following morning before the ceremony was subsequently removed from the streaming service.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch commented on Good Morning Britain, describing the BBC's handling as "a horrible mistake" and emphasizing the importance of an apology and an explanation for why the slur was not censored.
Tourette's syndrome is characterised by sudden, involuntary, and repetitive movements or sounds known as tics, which can include outbursts such as loud swearing.
Davidson's tics, including the racial slur, were audible several times before and during the Bafta ceremony.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience later in the ceremony, stating:
"You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's 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. We apologise if you were offended."
Davidson reportedly left the ceremony part-way through on his own accord.
Reactions from Industry Figures
Hannah Beachler, the production designer for Sinners, expressed her feelings on X (formerly Twitter):
"The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show. I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of 'if you were offended' at the end of the show. Of course we were offended."
Wendell Pierce, Michael B Jordan's former co-star on The Wire, posted:
"It's infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn't matter the reasoning for the racist slur."
Oscar winner Jamie Foxx added via Instagram that the use of the slur was "unacceptable."
Understanding Tourette's Syndrome and Coprolalia
Speaking to , Robert Aramayo, who won best actor for portraying Davidson in I Swear, explained:
"They're tics, he [Davidson] is ticking, and we have to understand that the way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility. It's not shouting obscenities, it's not being abusive, it's Tourette's and they're tics. So if it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's syndrome and what tics actually are, if our movie is a part of that conversation, then that's a really incredible thing."
Pippa McClounan, communications manager of the Tourette's Action charity, told :
"What we've got to try 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 reflection of what that person is thinking and their beliefs. It's not a what their intention is or what their character's like. It's involuntary. It's a neurological condition. It's so complex to try and understand why this happens."
She added that such tics, known as coprolalia, affect between 10% to 30% of people with Tourette's syndrome.
"This is what John lives with every day of his life. It's not just one occasion at an award ceremony. This is his life, and the backlash that he experiences throughout his life you see in the film. We hope that people who are reading and maybe commenting on it will also take the time to watch the film, learn about Tourette's, and understand the experiences behind those moments."
About the Film and John Davidson
I Swear follows John Davidson's struggles growing up with Tourette's syndrome in 1980s Scotland. Davidson was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to raise awareness of the condition and support families affected by it.
At the Baftas, Robert Aramayo, from Hull, won the Rising Star prize in addition to best actor for his role in I Swear. The film also received the award for best casting.
