It may have taken much longer than many believed was appropriate, but both BAFTA and John Davidson have now formally apologized for the racially charged incident that occurred during the 2026 BAFTA Awards ceremony. As “Sinners” stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for Special Visual Effects, Davidson shouted out the “n” word. Davidson, the subject of the BAFTA-winning film “I Swear,” suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome and involuntary tics that he cannot control. The BBC has been criticized for not editing the moment out of the telecast and not removing it from the archived streaming version until 15 hours later.
READ MORE: “Sinners” Production Designer Hannah Beachler Shares Deep Frustrations By BAFTAs Racial Slur Outburst And “Throw Away Apology”
The audience was warned about Davidson’s tics before the ceremony began, but after several outburts host Alan Cumming had to come out and address it twice. First, he remarked, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” He eventually added, “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
While Davidson eventually left the auditorium, the outbursts still sparked outrage, especially since there was no immediate apology, and, reportedly, things got worse backstage and when leaving the show. BAFTA and Oscar-nominated “Sinners” production designer Hannah Beachler noted one of three racially charged outbursts was directed at her, leaving the ceremony. She was particularly offended by Cummings’ “if you are offended” apology on behalf of the telecast.
BAFTA’s statement today acknowledged “the harm” the moments caused and apologized “to all.” Davidson’s statement did not include a formal apology, but he remarked, “I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
The organization’s full statement is as follows:
“At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.
One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette’s Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette’s Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.
We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.
Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.
We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.”
David’s statement is as follows:
“I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me. In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I SWEAR, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
A world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, “I Swear” was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics and will arrive in U.S. theaters on April 24.
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