4 days ago
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Several prominent Black figures in Hollywood have criticized the BAFTAs’ handling of Tourette’s Syndrome activist John Davidson’s outbursts during Sunday’s ceremony.
Davidson, who has severe Tourette’s syndrome, shouted the N-word as Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects. Hannah Beachler, a production designer on Sinners, said she heard the slur used twice more over the course of the evening, including once directed at her.
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming twice addressed Davidson’s involuntary outbursts during the awards show, including offering an apology to those who were “offended” by the “strong language.”
Beachler specifically took issue with BAFTAs’ apology, writing on social media: “I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of ‘if you were offended.'”
Other prominent Black figures not involved in this year’s ceremony addressed the incident on social media. Jamie Foxx, who won a BAFTA in 2005 for his performance in Ray, commented in an Instagram post calling the moment, “Unacceptable” and “Nah he meant that shit.” The Wire actor Wendall Piece wrote that it was “infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throatted [sic] apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”
Meanwhile, Clayton Davis, Variety’s chief awards editor, lambasted the BAFTAs’ handling of the incident — particularly the decision not to censor Davidson’s use of the N-word while editing other moments. Despite the broadcast airing on tape delay, Davis noted that the slur was “still allowed the slur to air, unfiltered, and then let the moment circulate as a clip — stripped of context and primed for outrage.” However, other portions of the ceremony were censored, including Akinola Davies Jr. saying “Free Palestine” in his acceptance speech and Paul Thomas Anderson using the word “piss” while accepting Best Director.
Davidson is a revered ambassador for Tourette’s who was previously honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his advocacy work. His life is the subject of the biopic I Swear, which was nominated for five awards at the 2026 BAFTAs, with Robert Aramayo winning Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Editor’s Note: Medical experts emphasize that there is no link between Tourette Syndrome and racism. While a rare symptom known as coprolalia involves involuntary vocal tics, these outbursts are neurological in origin and do not reflect the speaker’s personal views, biases, or intent.
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