The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has formally apologised to actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo following a deeply offensive incident during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, in which a racial slur was heard while the two were on stage presenting an award.
The incident occurred as Jordan and Lindo, stars of the film Sinners, were presenting the Best Visual Effects award, which went to Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The slur was spoken by guest John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner and executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, which is based on his life.
In a statement issued on its official website, BAFTA acknowledged the harm caused by the broadcast incident and offered an unreserved apology.
The Academy said the language heard during the ceremony was “profoundly offensive” and carried “incomparable trauma and pain for so many.”
BAFTA clarified that Davidson has Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological condition that can cause involuntary verbal tics beyond an individual’s control, according to a report.
The organisation stressed that such utterances are not a reflection of personal beliefs or intent. It also stated that attendees had been made aware in advance of Davidson’s condition.
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“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,” the statement said, praising both actors for their “dignity and professionalism.”
BAFTA further revealed that Davidson chose to leave the auditorium after the incident and watched the remainder of the ceremony from a screen.
The Academy thanked him for his consideration of others, noting that the evening was meant to be a celebration of his work and achievements.
The incident has reignited broader conversations around live broadcast sensitivities, disability awareness, and safeguarding measures at major international award ceremonies.
