BBC and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) have issued unreserved apologies after a racial slur was broadcast during the 2026 Film Awards.
The incident happened while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects. John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner and executive producer of the nominated film I Swear, experienced an involuntary vocal tic involving the N-word.
Although the ceremony aired on a two-hour delay, the slur was broadcast on BBC One. It also remained available on BBC iPlayer until Monday morning.
BAFTA said it takes full responsibility for the incident:
“At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many.”
The organization added:
“We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused… and apologise unreservedly to Michael and Delroy.”
A BBC spokesperson also addressed the issue:
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Producers later stated they did not hear the slur during editing, even though they censored other strong language during the ceremony.
Davidson expressed regret in a public statement:
“I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
He confirmed that he left the auditorium early to prevent further distress.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice to provide context:
“Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary… We apologize if you were offended.”
Meanwhile, the charity Tourettes Action emphasized that such tics are neurological and not intentional. However, some attendees, including Hannah Beachler, criticized the “if you were offended” phrasing. They argued that the wording did not reflect the seriousness of the incident.
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