The BBC apologized on Monday for an incident that occurred during its broadcast of the BAFTA Awards, in which an activist with Tourette syndrome involuntarily uttered the word “nigger,” a derogatory racial slur.
The public broadcaster said it regretted that some viewers heard “strong and offensive language” during Sunday’s ceremony celebrating British cinema’s most important awards, and that the segment had not been edited out before transmission, which was aired on a two-hour delay.
The BBC also apologized for the fact that the event, including the moment in question, remained available until Monday morning on the broadcaster’s digital player.
The incident involved activist John Davidson, whose life with Tourette syndrome inspired the film I Swear. The film was recognized with the award for best casting and best actor, won by English actor of Basque descent Robert Aramayo.
During the broadcast, Davidson could be heard shouting the slur on several occasions as Black actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan announced the first award of the night.
Tourettes activist John Davidson shouts n*gger and b*tch at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the Bafta Awards in London. pic.twitter.com/mrS95IrW41
— Anthony Brian Logan (ABL) 🇺🇸 (@ANTHONYBLOGAN) February 23, 2026
“This occurred as a result of involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and, as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional,” the BBC said, referring to remarks made by the show’s host, Alan Cumming, who reminded audiences that the neurological condition “is a disability” and that those affected have no control over their language. “We apologize if anyone felt offended this evening,” the broadcaster added.
For his part, Davidson said in a statement on Monday that he felt “deeply mortified” that anyone might believe his “involuntary tics are intentional” or that they “carry any meaning.”
He also thanked the organizers for informing participants in advance that his tics are involuntary and do not reflect his personal beliefs, emphasized his efforts to manage the condition, and explained that he chose to leave the ceremony after realizing the discomfort caused.
However, the BBC’s explanations and apologies did not satisfy everyone, as critics pointed out that the broadcaster did in fact remove comments by director Akinola Davies Jr. about the war in Gaza, as well as a joke by Cumming reportedly aimed at U.S. President Donald Trump.
