BBC apologises after racial slur is shouted out during BAFTAs ceremony
The BBC has issued a statement after John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome, shouted out the N-word during the 2026 BAFTAs ceremony.
The BBC has apologised for a racial slur shouted during the 2026 BAFTAs ceremony.
At the first award was presented at the event on Sunday (22.02.26) evening, viewers heard the N-word being shouted out as Black actors and Sinners castmates Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo spoke on stage.
The slur was shouted by John Davidson, whose journey with Tourette's syndrome inspired biopic I Swear, which was nominated at the awards.
Jordon and Lindo continued their segment after only missing a beat, and Variety later reported that Davidson went onto left the ceremony of his own volition.
Before that incident, he had also shouted "shut the f*** up" and "boring" during BAFTA chair Sarah Putt's speech.
A BBC spokesperson told NBC News: "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.”
Meanwhile, BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed the incident during the ceremony, as he thanked the audience for their understanding and explained the nature of Tourette's.
He said: “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.
"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 apologise if you were offended.”
Davidson, 54, is the inspiration Behind I Swear, and he was diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of 25, with his symptoms including tics and outbursts, which can often involve swearing.
Before the ceremony got underway, a floor manager reportedly told the audience: "I’d like to welcome John Davidson MBE from one of our nominated films, I Swear.
"John has Tourette’s syndrome, so please be aware you might hear some involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.”
The ceremony was pre-recorded by the BBC, and although Davidson's outburst could be heard on TV, his exact comments weren't clear to viewers.
Furthermore, while Cumming's initial apology wasn't included in the broadcast, a later statement was aired.
He said: "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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
