BAFTA Apologizes to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo Over N-Word

Variety

by Alex Ritman

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has issued a formal apology following an unfortunate incident at the BAFTA Film Awards, where offensive remarks were made during the ceremony. The controversy arose when John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, experienced an involuntary outburst involving the N-word while presenting an award with Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. In response, BAFTA acknowledged its responsibility for creating a difficult situation and apologized unreservedly to those affected, particularly Jordan and Lindo, for the distress caused. Davidson, an executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film *I Swear*, which is based on his life experience with Tourette’s syndrome, left the ceremony midway after the incident. BAFTA praised Davidson for his dignity and professionalism throughout the ordeal. During the event, host Alan Cumming addressed the situation by apologizing to the audience and thanking them for their understanding of Davidson’s condition. However, the BBC later faced criticism for broadcasting the offensive remarks in its tape-delayed version of the ceremony before removing it from their platform. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about inclusion, sensitivity, and how organizations handle situations involving disabilities. BAFTA emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and learning from this experience to improve future events. The organization acknowledged the pain caused by the remarks and reaffirmed its belief in the power of film and storytelling to promote compassion and empathy. This situation highlights the challenges of balancing awareness of Tourette’s syndrome with the need for sensitivity in public settings, particularly during high-profile events like the BAFTA Awards. While BAFTA has

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Originally published on Variety on 2/23/2026