BBC apologises to staff over N-word inclusion as Bafta announces comprehensive review

During the British Academy Film Awards (Baftas) on Sunday, a racial slur was shouted while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both Black, were presenting an award. The slur came from John Davidson, a Tourette's advocate who inspired the Bafta-nominated film *I Swear*, who was present at the ceremony. Davidson and the BBC have both issued apologies, with Davidson stating he was "deeply mortified" and that the slur was involuntary due to his Tourette's syndrome. Bafta also apologized for the offensive language, acknowledging the pain it caused. Tourettes Action, a related charity, emphasized that tics are involuntary and do not reflect a person's beliefs.

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.

The BBC is facing criticism for omitting filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.'s "Free Palestine" statement from its delayed broadcast of the BAFTAs. Davies Jr., winner of the Outstanding Debut award for "My Father's Shadow," included the statement in his acceptance speech on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as part of a broader message of solidarity. The removal of this segment has led to accusations of censorship, with groups like Amnesty International UK expressing disappointment. The controversy was compounded by the broadcast including a racial slur shouted during another segment, despite the host's prior mention of a guest with Tourette's syndrome. The incident has sparked debate about editorial decisions and impartiality in the BBC's coverage.