BBC issue apology after racial slur shouted by BAFTA nominee during awards

The shout came from a sufferer of Tourette syndrome

During the Bafta Film Awards, a member of the audience who has Tourette syndrome, shouted a racial slur as Sinner actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.

The moment led to Jordan momentarily freezing upon hearing the word, before continuing.

“Good evening. Delroy and I are delighted to be presenting the first Bafta of the night for a vital part of movie making,” he said.

Delroy then continued: “We’re here to celebrate the artists who expand what’s possible on screen.”

Alan Cumming, presenter of the award ceremony, later issued an apology for the language viewers may have heard.

He said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.”

In the wake of the moment, the BBC has also issued an apology.

A spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”

The film I Swear, which is inspired by the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome, won two Bafta awards, with the film winning Best Casting and Robert Aramayo picking up Best Actor in a Leading Role.

I Swear tells the story of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, who developed the condition when he was 12, not being diagnosed until 25.

He was in the audience for at least part of the ceremony.

Symptoms include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing.

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by multiple, involuntary, and repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.