‘We Take Full Responsibility’, BAFTA Apologises After Racial Slur Shouted At Michael B Jordan

The British Academy of Movie and Tv Arts (BAFTA) has issued a proper apology after a surprising second unfolded throughout the 79th BAFTA Movie Awards on Sunday night time.

BAFTA mentioned it takes “full accountability” after a racial slur was shouted throughout Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s presentation on the 2026 awards ceremony.

The incident occurred whereas actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo have been on stage presenting the award for Finest Visible Results. As the 2 stars of Sinners addressed the viewers, Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson might be heard shouting the N-word, a second that left the room visibly unsettled and shortly ignited outrage on-line.

BAFTA Apologises And Takes Accountability

On Monday, BAFTA launched an in depth assertion acknowledging the hurt induced.

“At the BAFTA Movie Awards final night time our friends heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and ache for therefore many,” the organisation mentioned. “We wish to acknowledge the hurt this has induced, tackle what occurred and apologise to all.”

The academy added that it “apologises unreservedly” to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who have been on stage when the slur was heard. It additionally thanked each actors for his or her “unimaginable dignity and professionalism” in dealing with the second.

The controversy intensified after viewers criticised BAFTA and broadcast associate BBC for not eradicating the slur from the telecast, regardless of the ceremony airing with a two-hour delay. Social media customers questioned why the language was not edited out earlier than broadcast.

What Occurred 

In its assertion, BAFTA defined that John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, experiences involuntary verbal tics.

Davidson, an MBE recipient and longtime campaigner for Tourette’s consciousness, has devoted a lot of his life to educating the general public in regards to the neurological situation. Tourette syndrome could cause uncontrollable vocalisations, together with involuntary utterances that don’t mirror an individual’s beliefs or intentions.

“Certainly one of our friends, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for higher understanding of this situation,” BAFTA said. “Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the person has no management over. Such tics are under no circumstances a mirrored image of a person’s beliefs and aren’t intentional.”

Davidson can also be an govt producer of the BAFTA-nominated movie I Swear, which is predicated on his life. Actor Robert Aramayo portrays him within the movie.

What Occurred Inside The Auditorium

In accordance with BAFTA, steps had been taken to tell attendees forward of time. The viewers was advised earlier than and all through the ceremony that Davidson was current and that they could hear sturdy language or involuntary noises.

Regardless of these warnings, the second proved deeply distressing for a lot of within the room.

“Early within the ceremony a loud tic within the type of a profoundly offensive time period was heard by many individuals within the room,” BAFTA mentioned.

Michael B. Jordan appeared briefly stunned, pausing momentarily. Delroy Lindo tried to regular the second and proceed with the presentation. Later, host Alan Cumming addressed the viewers, clarifying that the language was not voluntary however the results of Davidson’s situation.

Through the the rest of the night, Davidson selected to depart the auditorium and watched the ceremony from a display screen elsewhere within the venue.

“We wish to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what ought to have been an evening of celebration for him,” BAFTA mentioned.

John Davidson Says He Is ‘Deeply Mortified’

Following the ceremony, Davidson publicly expressed remorse.

On Monday, he mentioned he was “deeply mortified” by the incident, explaining that the slur was the results of an involuntary tic.

Davidson has lengthy been a outstanding voice within the Tourette’s group. In 2018, he acquired an honour from Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts to boost consciousness and help folks residing with the situation.