The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) extended an apology to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo after a guest with Tourette’s syndrome uttered a racial slur during the ceremony on Sunday night, 22 February, in London. This incident occurred while Jordan and Lindo were presenting an award, prompting widespread attention and controversy over the offensive outburst and the subsequent broadcast handling.
Background on the Incident and Tourette’s Syndrome
John Davidson, a campaigner and executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, which details his own life experiences with Tourette’s, was the individual responsible for the remark. Before the ceremony, the film had received five nominations, including Outstanding British Film, with actor Robert Aramayo winning Best Actor. Davidson’s condition causes involuntary verbal and physical tics, which can include sudden, repetitive outbursts of language. While incurable, Tourette’s symptoms can be managed.
Details of the On-Stage Outburst and Broadcast Reaction
During the presentation of the Best Special Visual Effects award, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage when Davidson, seated among the audience, vocalized the racial slur as part of an uncontrollable tic. The incident was captured and later broadcast by the BBC, which aired the ceremony approximately two hours after the live event. The broadcast included the offensive language, drawing criticism for the insufficient editing.
BBC’s Controversial Editing Decisions and Apology
The BBC faced backlash for removing a separate segment featuring filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., who uttered “Free Palestine,” while leaving the offensive racial slur intact in the same program. The broadcaster issued an apology, stating regret for any offense the language caused and acknowledging the failure to edit out the slur prior to transmission. It assured viewers that the offensive segment would be removed from the BBC iPlayer version.
BAFTA’s Formal Statement and Responsibility
Following the incident, BAFTA published an official statement on 23 February acknowledging the harm caused and clarifying the circumstances. The organization emphasized their commitment to inclusion and explained that measures were put in place to inform the audience about Davidson’s presence and possible involuntary tics during the event.
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 statement went on to express unreserved apologies to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and all affected by the offensive language heard during the ceremony.
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.
BAFTA also praised the dignity displayed by both Jordan and Lindo throughout the difficult moment. Further, it was revealed that Davidson chose to leave the auditorium to watch the remainder of the ceremony remotely, an act BAFTA acknowledged as considerate under the circumstances.
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,
We will learn from this and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.
John Davidson’s Response and Commitment to Awareness
Davidson issued a personal statement recognizing the support he received from BAFTA and the broader community during the awards. He appreciated the pre-ceremony announcements that prepared the audience for his tics, emphasizing that they are involuntary and do not reflect his beliefs in any way.
I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.
He stressed his deep regret if anyone misinterpreted his involuntary vocalizations as intentional or meaningful.
In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
Davidson explained that I Swear serves as a significant educational tool about Tourette Syndrome, exploring its origins, symptoms, and effects.
I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness, and understanding from others, and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing,
The Incident’s Broader Implications for Inclusion and Live Broadcasting
This episode highlights the challenges that live events face when unexpected incidents arise, especially involving neurological conditions like Tourette’s syndrome. BAFTA’s commitment to learning from the experience reflects a wider need for organizations to balance inclusivity with sensitivity to all attendees and audiences. Michael B. Jordan’s poised reaction and BAFTA’s swift apology indicate the seriousness with which the incident is treated within the entertainment industry.
Moving forward, broadcasters and event organizers are likely to implement more stringent measures to prevent similar occurrences and to better support individuals with conditions that may cause involuntary behaviors on live platforms.
