The BAFTAs are often dubbed the 'British Oscars,' and on this side of the Atlantic, it's undeniably one of the most watched film nights each year. However, this year's weekend awards ceremony was overshadowed by a major controversy.
Right from Alan Cumming's opening monologue, there was some yelling and "disturbance" from the audience, but it wasn't really noticed. Then, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of the movie Sinners, took the stage to present the award for Best Effects. As soon as Michael B. Jordan spoke his first sentence on stage, a racist slur was shouted from the audience, momentarily startling both presenters.
The shout came from John Davidson, a person with Tourette's syndrome, whose life inspired the film I Swear. That night, the film won two awards: Best Casting and even Best Actor in a Leading Role. Actor Robert Aramayo portrayed the life and advocacy for Tourette's syndrome of John Davidson in the biopic.
John Davidson dedicated his life to fighting for awareness that his tics, even if they seem aggressive, are involuntary and don't reflect a person's beliefs, intentions, or character. "I can only add that I am and always have been deeply ashamed if anyone considers my involuntary tics intentional or meaningful," he stated.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were upset by the incident. Still, rather than direct their dissatisfaction at Davidson, who can't control his tics, they agreed the problem was with the event organizers and the BBC, which broadcasted the awards with a two-hour delay. Despite the time, they couldn't censor Davidson's tic, but they managed to cut Akinola Davies Jr.'s "Free Palestine!" from his speech.
It took a while for an explanation as to why someone in the audience was shouting slurs at the presenters, but host Alan Cumming presented it like this: "You might have noticed some vulgar language in the background. This can be part of Tourette's syndrome for some people, and the film (I Swear) addresses this. We apologize if it offended anyone."
Too Little, Too Late
However, this was apparently not enough of a warning or apology for those affected by Davidson's involuntary words. The BBC should have clearly informed everyone of the situation beforehand and cut the moment from broadcasting to prevent its worldwide spread and further escalation. Social media did its usual thing, making matters worse. Currently, there's a clash between those who believe Davidson intentionally used the n-word and those defending people with the syndrome, thinking it's nonsense for them to apologize. As usual, the truth lies somewhere in between.
While Davidson, understandably uncomfortable with how his condition impacted others, left after about twenty minutes (isolation and shame are common effects on those with this syndrome), many guests, especially those of African descent, naturally didn't feel good in an environment where such words were uttered. These words carry pain and trauma and would be unforgivable under normal circumstances. It's a lose-lose situation for everyone, especially the BBC, which did not do enough to prevent such an incident.
For society, though, it's a rare moment offering a chance to learn. It's an opportunity to meet in the middle, recognize that it was painful for both sides, and strive for mutual understanding so that future incidents can be immediately clarified. Maybe by inviting Davidson to the stage. Or with a backstage photo of the three talking things through. Unfortunately, none of this happened this time, which is precisely why films like I Swear or Sinners are still so important in 2026.
