The BBC has issued an official apology following the broadcast of racial slurs during the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, acknowledging the offensive language and announcing plans to remove it from online platforms, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to BBC. The broadcaster stated that the language originated from involuntary verbal tics linked to Tourette syndrome and clarified that it was not intentional. While other segments of the ceremony were edited prior to airing, including one presenter’s remark saying “Free Palestine,” the slurs were not removed before the two-hour delayed broadcast.
During the ceremony, John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome activist whose experiences inspired the film I Swear, issued several obscene outbursts. Tourette syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a neurological disorder that can trigger involuntary movements and vocal tics, including inappropriate language. One notable incident occurred while Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first award of the night, with Davidson yelling a racial slur on stage. Both actors appeared visibly surprised but continued their presentation without interruption.
Later in the evening, BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed the audience, explaining that the outbursts were involuntary due to a medical condition. “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended,” Cumming said.
Davidson reportedly left the awards ceremony partway through on his own accord, as confirmed by the BBC. The film I Swear, which received five nominations, achieved major success, with lead actor Robert Aramayo winning over category favorite Timothée Chalamet for his role in Marty Supreme.
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