Bafta judge quits over ‘utterly unforgivable’ handling of Tourette N-word incident
The Guardian World
by Catherine ShoardFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A black British film-maker, Jonte Richardson, has announced his resignation as a Bafta judge over what he described as the "utterly unforgivable" handling of an incident during Sunday's ceremony. The controversy arose when John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome campaigner, shouted the N-word from the audience while two Black actors, Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, were presenting the award for special visual effects. Despite appearing shocked, the actors continued with their duties.
Richardson criticized Bafta's response to the incident, highlighting the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities. He joined others, including the New Black Film Collective and MP Dawn Butler, in condemning the BBC's failure to address or edit the offensive moment during live broadcasting. This decision has sparked broader discussions about representation, inclusion, and accountability within the film industry.
The incident occurred during a ceremony that already faced scrutiny over its lack of diversity. While Bafta has yet to respond formally to Richardson's resignation, his move underscores growing frustration among professionals in the creative industries regarding how such incidents are handled. Critics argue that the BBC and Bafta failed to uphold their responsibility to create a safe space for all attendees.
Richardson's decision reflects the broader movement calling for systemic change in Hollywood and beyond. Advocates emphasize the need for better inclusion policies, sensitivity training, and immediate action when harmful behavior occurs during live events. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black and disabled individuals in media and entertainment.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026