BAFTAs under investigation after guest with Tourette’s shouted slur during ceremony
Madison Burgess
Featured Image Credit: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
The director-general of the BBC has told its Executive Complaints Unit to carry out a fast-tracked investigation into the 'serious mistake' during the weekend's BAFTAs coverage, which saw a racial slur broadcast.
It comes after Tourette's activist John Davidson involuntarily shouted the N-word during the ceremony on Sunday night (22 February),
He had been invited to the ceremony alongside the cast and crew of I Swear, a biographical-drama based on his life with Tourette's - a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, known as tics.
The incident took place when the first award of the evening, Best Special Visual Effects, was being presented by Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
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Davidson shouted the racial slur in the BBC’s broadcast, which reportedly aired with a delay of roughly two hours.
The broadcaster has since apologised for not editing the racial slur out and has subsequently removed it from the version on iPlayer.
The BBC's statement read: "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.
"We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
BAFTA also released a statement, apologising to Jordan and Lindo.
And during the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter, Alan Cumming, apologised for the language viewers may have heard.
He said: "You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that the film is about the experience of a person with Tourette's syndrome.
"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."
In a statement shared with Variety after the incident, Davidson added: "I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.
"I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me."
He explained: “In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
“I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness, and understanding from others, and I will continue to do so.
"I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing."