BAFTAs Rocked by Shock Slur Incident—Host Issues Swift Apology After Live Racial Outburst
What does it say about us as a culture when even the prim-and-proper air of the BAFTAs can be pierced by real, raw, uncontrollable humanity? I admit—awards shows are supposed to go off without a hitch, just polite applause and tasteful gowns, not an eruption of tics and expletives that leaves everyone looking for the nearest velvet curtain to hide behind. But on this glittering evening, in front of Britain’s television elite, John Davidson—a bold advocate for Tourette’s and inspiration for “I Swear”—shook the room with involuntary outbursts while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were just trying to do their jobs … Suddenly, host Alan Cummings wasn’t delivering punchlines but apologies, navigating the awkward intersection of inclusivity, understanding, and deeply uncomfortable language. Is it even possible for Hollywood gloss and social justice to share the stage without some sparks flying? Or are we all just actors caught off-script at the worst possible moment? Let’s dive into this unforgettable BAFTA night—one that challenged not just etiquette, but empathy too. LEARN MORE
The BAFTAs was interrupted by a clarification and apology from host Alan Cummings after a Tourette’s campaigner yelled out a racial slur at Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Alan Cummings, who was hosting the British TV and Film award ceremony, thanked the audience for their ‘understanding’ at the incident.
John Davidson is a campaigner for Tourette’s and the inspiration for the new film I Swear which shows a young Scottish man suffering with the disorder.
Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can cause movements or sounds known as tics which are uncontrollable.
Within this the symptom ‘coprolalia’ is caused by the involuntary yelling of swearing, which can include slurs, and is found in between 10% and 30% of patients with Tourette’s syndrome.
Davidson yelled the N word whilst Jordan and Lindo were on stage during the BAFTAs, as well as yelling out ‘f*ck you’ and ‘shut the f*ck up’ at other parts in the show.
Jordan and Lindo were placed in the deeply uncomfortable situation at the BAFTAs (BBC)
Later on Cummings said: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.
“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.
“Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Davidson has been a longtime campaigner for the rights of those suffering with the disorder, leading to the film being made about his life.
John Davidson alongside Robert Aramayo, the star of I Swear who won a BAFTA tonight (Dave Benett/WireImage)
He was given an MBE in 2019 for ‘his efforts to increase understanding of the condition and helping families deal with it across the country’.
Coming to prominence in 1989 for the documentary John’s Not Mad, he would later go on to start residential camps for kids with Tourette’s. In addition to Tourette’s Davidson also suffers from OCD.
Jordan and Lindo, both of whom were recently nominated for an Oscar in Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively for their role in Sinners, visibly paused after the slur was yelled, however continued on with presenting an award.
Viewers were left in shock by the incident, with many both acknowledging the fact that Davidson’s tics are involuntary but also recognised the awful situation it put the actors in.
Viewers called for a public apology for the incident, which Cummings provided later in the show on behalf of the BAFTAs (Photo by Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
One tweeted: “Coprolalia is an involuntary tic that affects people with Tourette’s and I feel so bad for MBJ & Delroy Lindo jfc.”
Another said: “Two things can be true at once. John Davidson having the outburst due to Tourette’s Syndrome is an unfortunate situation. However, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo being called that in a room full of their peers can’t feel great either. They deserve a public apology.”
Speaking in the past about his condition, Davidson said: “Tourette’s is such an awful condition that most of the time I don’t want to be the centre of attention.
“I want to be able to walk down the street and not be noticed because I’m shouting or swearing.”
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