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The BBC has issued an apology following controversy at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, where offensive language linked to Tourette syndrome tics was heard during the broadcast. Actor Delroy Lindo later said he wished organisers had reached out to him and co-presenter Michael B. Jordan after the moment.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 22, when Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson attended the London ceremony as a guest connected to the biographical film I Swear, which is based on his life. Davidson, who has experienced Tourette symptoms since childhood, was introduced to the audience beforehand, with attendees warned they might hear involuntary sounds during the show.
While Lindo and Jordan were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects, Davidson shouted a racial slur that was audible in the venue and later in the broadcast. Other verbal outbursts were also heard earlier in the evening during speeches.
Speaking to Vanity Fair at a Warner Bros. afterparty, Lindo said the pair handled the moment professionally on stage, noting they "did what we had to do." However, he added that he wished "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards."
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience during the ceremony, explaining that such language can be part of how Tourette syndrome manifests for some people and thanking viewers for their understanding. He later reiterated that the condition is a disability and that the tics are involuntary.
Despite the explanation, the moment drew further scrutiny when the delayed BBC One broadcast aired with the slur still audible. The clip also briefly appeared on BBC iPlayer before being removed.
In a statement, the broadcaster said: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
The incident sparked mixed reactions online. Actor Jamie Foxx criticised the moment on social media, writing, "Nah, he meant that s--t," and calling it "Unacceptable."
Meanwhile, Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler described the situation as "almost impossible," saying the language was heard multiple times that night and that the closing apology left her dissatisfied.
Davidson reportedly left during the latter part of the ceremony but was not asked to leave by organisers. BAFTA has not publicly responded to Lindo's remarks.
