The fallout over the racial slurs broadcast during the BAFTAs on Sunday continues as BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson stepped down from the emerging talent judging panel over the organisation's handling of the situation.
Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, the inspiration for the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, was heard shouting several times during the ceremony at London's Royal Festival Hall, including using a racial slur while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were on stage presenting the first prize for special visual effects.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesAn insider who attended the ceremony shared an insight into how the incident unfolded, revealing how Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo reacted.
"When the shouting first began, my immediate thought was that Prince William and the Princess of Wales were being heckled," the insider told HELLO!. "Ahead of the broadcast, guests had been warned that John - a Tourette's syndrome campaigner - was in the room and that strong language might be heard.
"The first two racial slurs came while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The pair had walked out in high spirits, but their expressions quickly changed as the shouting began. They handled the disruption professionally, continuing to present the award without acknowledging it."
"A further slur was heard during Wunmi Mosaku's acceptance speech. She appeared not to react and continued speaking without letting the interruption distract her. The shouting subsided around the middle of the ceremony."
© Getty Images for BAFTAThe insider also noted that other members, who appeared on stage, were hurled with "boring" or "[explicit] off".
BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson steps down
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Jonte said: "After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel. The organisation's handling of the unfortunate Tourette's N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable.
"I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community."
The filmmaker continued: "This is particularly unfortunate given that this year's cohort boasts some incredible black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 Just Act Normal.
© Graeme Hunter Pictures"However, when an organisation like Bafta, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.
"I hope Bafta leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused, and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future."
BAFTA's apology
During Sunday's ceremony, host Alan Cumming referred to "some strong and offensive language" used by a member of the audience with Tourette syndrome, who "has no control over their language". He added: "We apologise if you are offended tonight."
BAFTA also apologised "unreservedly" to actors Michael and Delroy, and "to all those impacted".
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im"We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all," read the statement. It also explained that Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, which the individual has no control over and that "such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional."
"Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted."
BAFTA also explained that measures were taken to "make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout," adding that John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen.
© BBCThe statement also thanked Michael and Delroy for their "incredible dignity and professionalism".
The statement continued: "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all.
"We will learn from this and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."
John Davidson 'deeply mortified'
John, who received an MBE in 2019 for increasing understanding of Tourette syndrome and helping people manage the condition, attended the BAFTAs to represent the film I Swear. The BAFTA-winning movie tells the story of the campaigner's life with the condition, which he developed aged 12.
"I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning."
According to the NHS website, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements, and in rare instances, can result in swearing being used, that cannot be controlled.
© Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty ImJohn has said he is "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," adding that his "tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs".
"I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing," he said.
The BBC's apology
The BBC apologised for failing to edit the racial slur out of the broadcast, which was available to watch on iPlayer for over 12 hours.
The two-hour programme was cut down from the three-hour live ceremony filmed on Sunday evening, which was broadcast on BBC One at 7pm.
© Getty Images for BAFTAIn a statement, the BBC said: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards.
"This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional.
"We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
Celebrity reactions
Actor Jamie Foxx shared his thoughts with The Neighborhood Talk. "Nah, he meant that [expletive]," he said, adding: "Out of all the words, you could've said Tourette's makes you say that? Unacceptable."
© Getty ImagesMeanwhile, actor Wendell Pierce said: "It's 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."
