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 of 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.

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

Earlier in the evening, Davidson had yelled both 'shut the f**k up' during host Alan Cumming's introductory speech, and 'f**k you' whilst the Best Children’s And Family Film award was being presented.

Following the racial slur he inadvertently uttered, the BBC later issued an apology.

"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026," its official statement began. "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional.

"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'.

Lindo later addressed the incident (Iona Wolff/BAFTA via Getty Images)

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'.

It is understood that the actor's latest remarks also reference an apology issued by lead host Cumming on the night.

Following Davidson's comments, The Traitors US presenter told attendees: "You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette's Syndrome.

Cumming also issued an apology (Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

"Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended."

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