LONDON — A shocking moment unfolded at the 79th annual British Academy Film Awards on Sunday when a racial slur was shouted at actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo as they presented an award onstage, prompting widespread online outrage and a swift apology from the BBC.
The incident occurred at London's Royal Festival Hall during the live taping of the ceremony, which aired on the BBC. Jordan and Lindo, both Black stars of the upcoming vampire thriller Sinners, were introducing the award for best visual effects when the N-word was yelled from the audience. Video footage of the moment, viewed by NBC News, shows the actors pausing briefly before continuing with their presentation. A U.S. broadcast on E! did not appear to censor the slur.
The BBC issued an apology later that day, attributing the outburst to an attendee with Tourette syndrome. "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026," a BBC spokesperson said in an email statement to NBC News. "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
Tourette syndrome, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a nervous system disorder that causes sudden, repeated twitches, movements or sounds known as tics. In some cases, these tics can include involuntary vocalizations, including profanity or other words, a condition often referred to as coprolalia.
According to a report from Variety, which had reporters on the scene, the racial slur was not the only disruptive shout during the evening. Earlier, as BAFTA chair Sara Putt delivered her opening remarks, someone reportedly yelled "shut the f--- up." Later, during the acceptance of the best children's and family film award, another outburst of "f--- you" was heard. Variety identified the individual behind the N-word incident as John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner attending with his nominated film I Swear.
The documentary I Swear chronicles Davidson's personal journey with the syndrome, from his diagnosis and daily struggles to his efforts to raise awareness about the condition. The film's title references the uncontrollable swearing that can accompany Tourette syndrome. It received critical acclaim in the U.K. and earned a win in the best actor category for Robert Aramayo on Sunday night. Directed by Kirk Jones, the film is set for a U.S. release on April 24 through Sony Pictures Classics, which acquired distribution rights.
NBC News was unable to independently verify whether Davidson was the source of the slur. The BBC did not respond to follow-up inquiries about the individual's identity. Messages sent to Davidson's personal Instagram account and representatives for the film's U.K. distributor, Bankside Films, went unanswered as of Monday morning. Sony Pictures Classics also did not immediately comment.
Representatives for the BAFTAs, Jordan, Lindo and E! owner Versant declined to comment when reached by NBC News before and after the U.S. telecast. The moment quickly went viral on social media, with users expressing shock and anger over the use of the slur in such a high-profile setting. Clips shared online amassed thousands of views within hours, fueling discussions about racism in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by Black performers at major awards shows.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed the outbursts directly during the ceremony, particularly after Aramayo's win for I Swear. Speaking to the audience at the Royal Festival Hall, Cumming explained the context to ease any discomfort. "You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight," he said. "If you have seen the film ‘I Swear’ you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended."
Cumming's remarks highlighted the intersection of disability awareness and the awards' programming, as I Swear was itself a nominee and eventual winner. The film's inclusion at the BAFTAs underscored ongoing efforts in the industry to amplify underrepresented voices, including those with disabilities. Critics have praised the documentary for its raw portrayal of living with Tourette syndrome, noting how it challenges stereotypes and promotes empathy.
Beyond the controversy, the 79th BAFTAs celebrated several milestones. Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, made history as the first film by a Black director to win best original screenplay. The vampire thriller, starring Jordan and Lindo alongside Hailee Steinfeld and Jack O'Connell, secured three awards in total, including best director for Coogler. The film's narrative, set in the Jim Crow South and blending horror with themes of Black resilience, has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and cultural significance.
Coogler's win adds to his growing list of accolades, following successes with Black Panther and Creed. In accepting the screenplay award, Coogler dedicated it to his collaborators and the stories of Black excellence that inspired the project. Jordan and Lindo, known for their chemistry in Sinners, have spoken in past interviews about the importance of authentic representation in Hollywood, a theme that resonated amid Sunday's events.
The BAFTAs, established in 1947, serve as the U.K.'s premier film honors, often seen as a predictor for the Oscars. This year's ceremony, held on February 18, 2025—though referenced in some reports as part of the 2026 cycle due to scheduling—drew stars from around the world to the Royal Festival Hall, a venue overlooking the Thames that has hosted the event since 1976. The awards recognize excellence across categories like acting, directing and technical achievements, with Sinners' visual effects nod tying into its genre-blending production.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about inclusivity at awards shows. While the BBC's explanation centered on Tourette syndrome, some online commentators questioned whether the condition fully accounts for the specific slur used, calling for more transparency from organizers. Disability advocates, however, have rallied in support of Davidson—if he is indeed the attendee—emphasizing that coprolalia affects only about 10% of people with Tourette syndrome and is not a choice.
As the dust settles, the focus shifts to the upcoming U.S. release of I Swear and Sinners. Sony Pictures Classics plans a spring rollout for the documentary, aiming to bring its message of awareness to American audiences. For Jordan and Lindo, the BAFTAs presentation marked a promotional milestone for Sinners, which is slated for a wide release later this year. BAFTA officials have not announced any further investigations, but the evening's events serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live broadcasts and the need for sensitivity in diverse settings.
In the wake of the controversy, experts in neurology and media ethics suggest that such incidents could foster greater education about invisible disabilities. The Tourette Association of America, in a statement unrelated to the event but timely, reiterated that tics are not endorsements of harmful language but neurological impulses. As Hollywood continues to evolve, moments like these at the BAFTAs highlight both progress and the work still needed to ensure safe spaces for all talents.