Tourette syndrome campaigner shouts slur at BAFTA ceremony
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
At the BAFTA Film Awards, an individual with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the BBC’s tape-delayed broadcast, sparking immediate apologies from organizers after the incident aired unedited. The BBC faced criticism for both their handling of the situation and their decision to edit out filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.’s “free Palestine” comment, which was excluded entirely from their coverage. This incident has raised questions about how media outlets handle sensitive or unintended comments during live broadcasts, particularly when they involve individuals with medical conditions like Tourette syndrome.
The individual’s condition, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary tics and sometimes inappropriate outbursts, is often misunderstood by the public. The BBC’s decision to air the slur unedited has led to widespread condemnation, with critics arguing that it could further stigmatize those living with Tourette syndrome. However, defenders of the broadcaster argue that omitting such incidents
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026