The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) and BBC issued apologies on Monday for the use of a racial slur during Sunday’s broadcast while actors from the movie “Sinners” were on stage. A Tourette syndrome advocate, who shouted the offensive word, expressed deep regret and clarified that his outburst did not reflect his personal beliefs.
The incident occurred as Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, from the film “Sinners,” were presenting the award for best visual effects at the BAFTA awards ceremony. Host Alan Cumming acknowledged Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson in the audience, leading to the outburst, for which he later apologized to the audience for the offensive language.
Following the incident, the academy issued an apology for the use of “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain.” Tourettes Action, a Tourette syndrome charity, emphasized the involuntary nature of tics associated with the condition and called for understanding.
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. The Tourette Association of America notes that a subset of individuals with the syndrome experience coprolalia, which involves involuntary swearing or uttering socially unacceptable words.
The BBC, which aired the ceremony two hours after the live event, also apologized for broadcasting the offensive word and announced plans to edit it out from future broadcasts. The film “I Swear,” inspired by John Davidson, won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo.
Despite the apologies issued by the BAFTA and BBC, representatives for the film and actors involved have not responded to requests for comment at this time.