BAFTA apologises to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo after racial slur controversy: 'We take full responsibility'

The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) has apologised after John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette's syndrome, shouted a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the awards ceremony. Michael and Delroy, who star in 'Sinners', were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects at the 79th annual BAFTAs when Davidson was heard saying the N-word. The incident sparked outrage in the film community and social media over BAFTA and the BBC's decision not to cut the racial slur and swearing from the broadcast.

Following the backlash, BAFTA issued a statement mentioning that it takes 'full responsibility' for putting its 'guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.' "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all. One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaining 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 individuals'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 read. The note added, "We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony." The statement continued, "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. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism." BAFTA also acknowledged John, who, after leaving the ceremony, watched the rest of the show from a screen. "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.

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." ALSO READ | BAFTA film winners 2026: See the full list