The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) issued a full apology Monday following an outburst during Sunday’s awards ceremony in which a racial slur was directed at actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The incident occurred as the two presented the award for best visual effects.
BAFTA acknowledged “full responsibility” for placing its guests “in a very difficult situation” and offered an “unreserved” apology to Jordan and Lindo, as well as to “all those impacted,” according to a statement released this morning. The organization also expressed gratitude for the “incredible dignity and professionalism” displayed by the two actors.
The outburst came from John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome and an executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.” Davidson, who was present in the audience, involuntarily shouted the N-word during Jordan and Lindo’s presentation. He subsequently left the Royal Festival Hall, watching the remainder of the ceremony from elsewhere, BAFTA confirmed.
BAFTA had informed attendees prior to the show that Davidson would be present and that involuntary tics, including strong language, were possible. The BBC, which broadcast the ceremony with a two-hour delay, also apologized for failing to edit out the slur, though it had removed other portions of the broadcast, including a statement of support for Palestine from filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., according to the Associated Press.
The incident sparked immediate backlash online. Actor Robert Aramayo, who portrays Davidson in “I Swear,” won the leading actor prize at the ceremony. Production designer Hannah Beachler alleged on X, formerly Twitter, that similar outbursts occurred multiple times throughout the evening, including instances directed at herself and another Black woman. Beachler criticized what she described as a dismissive apology offered at the finish of the show.
Several prominent figures weighed in on social media, including actor Wendell Pierce, who criticized the expectation that Jordan and Lindo should continue with the presentation after being subjected to the slur. Journalist Jemele Hill and Black List founder Franklin Leonard echoed this sentiment, calling for immediate accountability from BAFTA. Jamie Foxx alleged in Instagram comments that Davidson’s employ of the slur was intentional, while Charlamagne tha God questioned how Davidson came to use the language and called for accountability from the awards show’s organizers.
Tourettes Action, a UK-based organization dedicated to research and support for those with Tourette’s syndrome, responded to the criticism by calling for understanding and education about the condition. The organization emphasized the potential for increased isolation, anxiety, and depression among individuals with Tourette’s, and highlighted the importance of compassion and education.
BAFTA’s statement affirmed its commitment to inclusion and its belief in the power of film and storytelling to foster empathy. The organization said it would “learn from this” and maintain inclusion as a core principle.
Representatives for Jordan and Lindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, Lindo told Vanity Fair that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” to continue the ceremony, but expressed a desire for a direct apology from BAFTA following the incident.
