by Leyla MohammedBuzzFeedBuzzFeed StaffAs a Celebrity Reporter, I cover everything from fashion and award shows to TV, film, and cultural conversations. The BAFTAs have issued a statement after Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson shouted a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage during the ceremony. Ian West - Pa Images / Getty Images John - who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 25, and experiences involuntary tics and outbursts - reportedly shouted a range of expletives throughout the night, including "shut the fuck up" while BAFTA chair Sara Putt was delivering a speech, and "fuck you" while the directors of Boong accepted an award.

Before the event, a manager warned audience members that they might hear "involuntary noises or movements" from John throughout the night. While the Sinners stars were on stage, John was heard shouting the n-word, prompting both Michael and Delroy to momentarily freeze before continuing to present the first BAFTA of the night. Stuart Wilson / Getty Images Host Alan Cumming went on to tell the audience, "You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette's syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone." He later said, "Tourette's syndrome is a disability and the tics you've heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette's syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight." Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images This response sparked a mixed reaction online, with several people - including Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler - calling out the way things were handled by the BAFTAs.

And a third time at a Black woman. 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"- HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) February 23, 2026 @HannahEBeachler / Via Twitter: @HannahEBeachler People were also outraged that the BBC, which aired the BAFTAs roughly two hours after the live ceremony took place, didn't initially edit out the racial slur from its footage, despite cutting other moments from the night. Stuart Wilson / Getty Images The BBC wound up apologizing for not initially editing out the use of the slur, with a spokesperson stating, "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 apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer." Tristan Fewings / Getty Images And John himself has since issued a statement addressing the entire thing, purportedly stating, "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. I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs. I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me." But amid everything, several people have questioned why Michael and Delroy weren't being shown more grace by the BAFTAs - especially after Delroy told Vanity Fair that he wished "someone from BAFTAs" spoke to him and Michael following the incident. Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images Speaking of their dignified reaction to the slur, Delroy said that he and Michael "did what [they] had to do." Stuart Wilson / Getty Images Now, a new statement from the BAFTAs includes an apology towards Delroy and Michael, as well as an acknowledgement of the "incomparable trauma and pain" carried by the racial slur. "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologize to all," the statement began. Jeff Spicer / Getty Images "One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience," it read. Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images The statement continued, "We take the duty