BBC and host apologize after racial slur shouted during BAFTA awards by guest with Tourette’s

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by By JILL LAWLESSFebruary 23, 2026 at 02:23 PM

AI Summary

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During the British Academy Film Awards in London on Sunday, a guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur, prompting apologies from BAFTA and the BBC. The incident occurred while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Host Alan Cumming had previously introduced John Davidson, a Tourette's advocate who inspired a BAFTA-nominated film, and explained that Tourette's causes involuntary vocalizations. Cumming apologized to the audience for the offensive language, emphasizing that the individual had no control over their tics. BAFTA referred to Cumming's statement when asked for comment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Braintree 35% FSE Foundry 35% John Davidson 50% Michael B. Jordan ×260% Delroy Lindo ×260% London ×370% Alan Cumming ×370% British Academy of Film and Television Arts 75% British Academy Film Awards ×485% BBC ×690%

Keywords

tourette syndrome 100% bafta awards 90% racial slur 90% bbc 80% apology 70% alan cumming 60% offensive language 60% neurological disorder 50% involuntary vocalizations 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.20

Source Transparency

Source

Associated Press (AP)

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

London

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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tourette syndrome bafta awards racial slur bbc apology alan cumming offensive language neurological disorder involuntary vocalizations

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