Delroy Lindo has publicly addressed the shocking incident that occurred during the 2026 BAFTAs, where a racial slur was shouted at him and Michael B. Jordan while they were presenting an award. The outburst took place on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, as Lindo and Jordan presented the award for Best Visual Effects to the film Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The individual responsible for the incident, John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome advocate, shouted the racial epithet during the ceremony. Following the outburst, Lindo, 73, and Jordan, 39, chose to continue with their presentation. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lindo reflected on the moment, stating, “We did what we had to do,” but expressed disappointment that “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward” regarding the situation.
A spokesperson for the BBC, which aired the BAFTAs, issued a statement addressing the incident. They acknowledged that some viewers may have heard “strong and offensive language” during the awards show, attributing it to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome. The spokesperson apologized for the language not being edited out prior to the broadcast and assured that it would be removed in future airings.
Davidson, 54, is known for his advocacy work and is the inspiration behind the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, which highlights the challenges of living with Tourette syndrome. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes Tourette’s as a neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to sudden, uncontrolled movements or vocalizations known as tics. Throughout the evening, Davidson reportedly vocalized various tics, including other expletives directed at individuals on stage.
During the ceremony, BAFTA host Alan Cumming addressed the audience, stating, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people.” He added that the tics are involuntary, meaning those affected have no control over their outbursts. Cumming expressed gratitude for the audience’s understanding and emphasized the need for a respectful environment.
While the second half of the ceremony proceeded without further incidents attributed to Davidson, who reportedly left the venue voluntarily, the initial outburst sparked significant discussion online. Notably, production designer Hannah Beachler spoke out about another outburst directed at her, criticizing the “throwaway apology” made at the end of the event.
Davidson, who received an honor from the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for his advocacy work, previously shared his struggles with Tourette syndrome in an interview with BBC News. He expressed a desire to avoid attention, stating, “Tourette’s is such an awful condition that most of the time I don’t want to be the center of attention.”
The incident at the BAFTAs has highlighted the complexities of living with Tourette syndrome and the importance of understanding the condition. As discussions surrounding the event continue, it serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and sensitivity in public settings, especially during high-profile events.
