Delroy Lindo, the acclaimed actor, has spoken out following a controversial incident during the 2026 BAFTA Awards, where a racial slur was shouted by an attendee with Tourette syndrome. The incident took place on Sunday, February 22, while Lindo and his “Sinners” co-star Michael B. Jordan were on stage presenting the award for Best Visual Effects.
John Davidson, a 54-year-old advocate for Tourette syndrome, was attending the ceremony to represent the film “I Swear,” which is based on his life experiences with the condition. Prior to the event, the stage manager had informed the audience that they might witness involuntary noises or movements that some attendees, including Davidson, may exhibit during the ceremony.
As Lindo and Jordan took to the stage, Davidson shouted the derogatory term during their presentation, a moment that was later described as distressing. In addition to this incident, he was heard uttering phrases such as “Shut the f-ck up” and “f–k you” during other points in the programme. The incident sparked immediate concern and discussions about sensitivity towards those living with disabilities.
Lindo later expressed his feelings regarding the incident in a conversation with Vanity Fair at a Warner Brothers’ afterparty. He indicated that while he and Jordan managed to continue with their presentation, he felt disappointed that no representatives from BAFTA reached out to them afterwards for a discussion. “We did what we had to do,” he said, reflecting on the situation, “but I wished someone had spoken to us afterwards.”
The BBC, which broadcast the event with a two-hour delay, issued an apology for not censoring Davidson’s remarks. The network acknowledged that some viewers may have been offended and stated that it was aware the outbursts were involuntary due to Davidson’s condition. The statement noted, “We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast, and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Following the incident, BAFTA awards host Alan Cumming took the opportunity to address the audience directly. He highlighted that the film “I Swear” explores the involuntary outbursts that can accompany Tourette syndrome. Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding and urged everyone to foster an inclusive atmosphere for all. His remarks were aimed at clarifying the nature of Davidson’s outburst, reminding those present that involuntary tics are a symptom of the disability.
Later during the event, Cumming made another statement, extending an apology to anyone who might have felt offended by the words uttered. He reiterated the involuntary nature of the tics, affirming that individuals with Tourette syndrome have no control over their language.
While some members of the audience, including Davidson himself, departed before the second half of the evening, reactions to the incident remained widespread on social media. Notably, actor Jamie Foxx commented on an Instagram post about the occurrence, expressing his disapproval and stating, “Nah, he meant that s–t,” and termed the situation “unacceptable.”
Hannah Beachler, the production designer of “Sinners,” also took to social media to share her thoughts on the matter. She described the difficulty in articulating the feelings surrounding the situation, noting that Davidson’s comments were made multiple times throughout the night. She recounted her own experience of hearing the slurs, including one directed at herself and another at a Black woman, reflecting on the emotional weight of such moments.
Beachler’s poignant statement highlighted the broader impact of the situation, capturing both her pain and resilience in the face of adversity. She concluded by emphasising the need for compassion and grace while navigating moments of discomfort, declaring that such incidents would not diminish her identity as an artist.
As discussions continue in the wake of the BAFTA awards, the incident raises critical questions about inclusivity, understanding, and the complexities of living with disabilities in public spaces. The reactions from both celebrities and the public underscore the need for sensitivity and recognition of the challenges faced by individuals like Davidson, who bravely advocate for awareness and acceptance of their conditions.