The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) and the BBC have issued apologies following a controversial incident during the recent awards broadcast on Sunday, February 22, 2026. A racial slur was involuntarily shouted by Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson, which was heard live during the ceremony and later broadcast. The outburst occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects.

Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience during the show, explaining that Davidson, who was in attendance, lives with Tourette Syndrome and his tics are involuntary, thus he has no control over such language. Davidson, the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, also expressed being “deeply mortified” and stated that his remarks were “not a reflection of my personal beliefs.” He chose to leave the auditorium early due to the distress his tics were causing.

The BBC initially broadcast the offensive language, despite the ceremony being pre-recorded with a two-hour delay. Following public backlash, the broadcaster removed the BAFTA Film Awards from its iPlayer streaming service and confirmed that the slur would be edited out. BAFTA also released a comprehensive apology, acknowledging the “harm this has caused” and thanking Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for their “incredible dignity and professionalism.”