Delroy Lindo Reveals What He Thought for a ‘Nanosecond’ After Racial Slur at BAFTAs

**Delroy Lindo Reflects on Racial Slur Incident During BAFTA Film Awards**

During a recent appearance on NPR’s *Fresh Air*, actor Delroy Lindo discussed his experience surrounding a controversial incident at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, where a racial slur was yelled by John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome advocate, while Lindo and his co-presenter Michael B. Jordan were on stage. The incident, which took place on February 22 at the ceremony held in London, has drawn significant attention and led to apologies from both Davidson and the BAFTA organisation.

Lindo, 73, and Jordan, 39, were presenting an award when Davidson shouted the racial slur from the audience. In a candid conversation with host Tonya Mosley, Lindo shared his immediate thoughts during this unexpected moment. “You have to understand, we had jobs to do. We were the first presenters of the evening,” he remarked, highlighting the pressure to remain professional despite the disruption.

Recalling the incident, Lindo noted, “There was a nanosecond when I’m thinking, ‘Wait, did I just hear what I thought I heard?’” However, he quickly realised that there was no time to dwell on it. “One had to read the teleprompter and get on with presenting the award,” he explained. Lindo revealed that even a brief moment of surprise would not derail their responsibilities. He adjusted his glasses, a gesture his wife interpreted as signifying that “something was happening internally.”

Davidson, who was present at the awards to represent the film *I Swear*, which is based on his own experiences with Tourette syndrome, later addressed the incident on social media. In a heartfelt Facebook post on March 1, he stated, “Whilst I will never apologise for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create.” Davidson, who has faced this condition since the age of 12, acknowledged the challenges in raising awareness about the disorder.

The BAFTA organisation promptly issued a formal apology to Lindo and Jordan on February 23, a day after the ceremony aired on the BBC. The incident was not edited out of the broadcast, which has kept discussions about it in the public eye. Following the awards, Lindo expressed gratitude for the support he and Jordan received from the community, stating, “We appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened.”

The incident has sparked debates about public perceptions of Tourette syndrome and the misunderstandings surrounding it. Davidson’s statement highlighted the importance of continuing to educate the public about the condition while also acknowledging the difficulties that come with it. “This past week has been tough and it has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go,” he declared.

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were intended to celebrate achievements in film, but the focus for many has now shifted to the implications of Davidson’s outburst. The discussions surrounding this event are likely to persist as advocates and commentators reflect on the intersection of mental health, public perception, and the responsibility of large institutions like BAFTA in handling such situations.

As Lindo and Jordan continue to navigate the aftermath, their commitment to professionalism in a challenging environment serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum amidst unexpected disruptions. The incident at the BAFTAs reflects broader societal issues that demand ongoing attention and discourse.