The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has issued an "unreserved" apology to both Black and disability communities after an offensive slur was broadcast during its 2026 film awards ceremony.
In a statement released on Friday, the organisation's board of trustees acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, revealing that an independent review had identified "a number of structural weaknesses" in the planning and delivery of the event.
BAFTA said it was "deeply sorry" for the harm caused, extending its apology not only to the Black community but also to the disability community, who it said had been subject to "unfair judgement" in the aftermath.
During the ceremony in February, disability campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette's, could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects.
Statement in full
The trustees said: "Following the incident at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, the BAFTA Board commissioned an independent review by RISE Associates to examine what happened and what must change.
© Getty Images for BAFTA"The review, which is now complete, identified a number of structural weaknesses in BAFTA's planning, escalation procedures and crisis coordination arrangements. However, it did not find evidence of malicious intent on the part of those involved in delivering the event. We accept its conclusions in full which can be read below.
"We apologise unreservedly to the Black community, for whom the racist language used carries real pain, brutality, and trauma; to the disability community, including people with Tourette Syndrome, for whom this incident has led to unfair judgement, stigma, and distress; and to all our members, guests at the ceremony and those watching at home. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration was diminished and overshadowed. We have written to those directly impacted on the night to apologise.
"The review is clear that while this was not a failure of intent, BAFTA's planning and processes have not kept pace with its diversity and inclusion goals. We did not adequately anticipate or fully prepare for the impact of such an incident in a live event environment and as a result our duty of care to everyone at the ceremony and watching at home fell short.
"Work is already underway to address the specific areas of improvement recommended in the review to reduce the risk of this happening again, namely around accessibility and inclusion planning, culture, and event communication and command structure.
"First, we are improving escalation processes and the chain of information sharing around our Awards ceremonies.
"Second, we are strengthening how we plan for and deliver access, inclusion and support at our events to adopt a broader intersectional approach so that the needs and experiences of all are properly considered in advance.
"Third, we are addressing any internal cultural gaps or lack of knowledge that may prevent BAFTA from meeting its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion across all our work."
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty ImThe message concluded: "This work continues as a priority with the Executive Team reporting regularly on progress against all actions to the Board of Trustees. We are determined to learn from what happened, and to ensure inclusion and belonging for all is meaningful in practice as well as in principle."
Apology on the night
During the broadcast, host Alan Cumming apologised for the language viewers may have heard, and in the aftermath the BBC apologised for not editing it out and said its executive complaints unit would complete a "fast-tracked investigation" into the incident.
John was at the Baftas representing the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life with the condition, which he developed when he was 12.
© Getty Images for BAFTASpeaking to the Press Association after the ceremony, John said he was "deeply mortified" that anyone might believe his involuntary tics reflected his personal views. "I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," he said.
The film's star Robert Aramayo picked up two awards: the Leading Actor award and the EE Rising Star award. A source told Best Quality Designer Handbag : "The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded."
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is "a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics," according to the NHS.
Tics involving sounds may include sniffing, whistling, clearing your throat a lot, making animal sounds, repeating a sound, word or phrase, or swearing. Tics can be triggered by different things, including stress, excitement, or tiredness.
