Delroy Lindo speaks out after guest with Tourette's shouted slur whilst he presented at BAFTAs

Delroy Lindo has issued a statement after a guest with Tourette's yelled a racial slur during last night's 70th annual British Academy Film Awards.

The Sinners actor had taken to the stage minutes earlier, on Sunday evening (22 February), to present the Best Special Visual Effects award alongside co-star Michael B. Jordan.

Before they had the chance to present the accolade, however, Tourette's campaigner John Davidson was heard shouting the N-word from the audience.

As a reminder, Davidson's condition triggers sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, otherwise known as tics.

Davidson had been invited to the ceremony alongside the cast and crew of I Swear - a biographical-drama based on his life.

Starring Robert Aramayo - who won Best Actor for his portrayal - as Davidson, and Peter Mullan as his caretaker, Tommy, the Scottish blockbuster hones in on his heartbreaking battle with Tourette's - specifically his childhood, his struggle to maintain a job, and his subsequent awareness-raising campaigns.

The BBC later issued an apology on the incident, with a statement reading: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.

Davidson attended the ceremony with the cast and crew behind biographical-drama I Swear (Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."

Bosses also apologised that the slur 'was not edited out prior to broadcast' and promised it would 'now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer'.

Despite the broadcaster's response, Lindo, 73, has since condemned organisers for refusing to check in on he and Jordan further.

Speaking to Vanity Fair at one of the show's after-parties, he reportedly claimed he and his co-presenter 'did what we had to do' following Davidson's involuntary comments, which were not bleeped out by BBC bosses, despite being filmed two hours prior.

Lindo also claimed he wishes 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.

More to follow.