The BBC is apologizing to viewers for airing a racial slur heard during the 2026 BAFTAs telecast Sunday.
"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the [online and streaming] version on BBC iPlayer," a BBC spokesperson said.
Critics say the British broadcaster had time to edit out the slur before the ceremony was broadcast on a two-hour delay. Other portions of the awards show were edited, including one award presenter saying "Free Palestine."
During the awards show, often referred to as the "British Oscars," there were several obscene outbursts from Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, who was the inspiration for and an executive producer of the movie "I Swear."
Tourette syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a neurological condition that may cause involuntary movements and vocal tics, sometimes involving outbursts of inappropriate language.
One such outburst occurred while "Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage Sunday night, with Davidson yelling a racial slur as the two actors were presenting the first award of the night.
Jordan and Lindo appeared startled by the incident but continued with their presentation.
Davidson shared a statement Monday after the BAFTAs, confirming he left the ceremony early because he realized his tics were causing "distress" for others.
"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," Davidson said in part, adding, "I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing."
Later in the ceremony, BAFTAs host Alan Cumming apologized directly to the audience and asked for their understanding.
"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.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts also released a statement Monday addressing the incident, acknowledging the "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 apologise to all," the arts charity said in part in a statement shared on its website, adding a direct apology to Jordan and Lindo.
According to BAFTA, audience members and guests were informed of Davidson's attendance and potential tics ahead of the awards ceremony. The organization also said Davidson later left and chose to view the rest of the show away from the auditorium where it was held.
"We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy," BAFTA said.
"I Swear," which was nominated for five awards, won big at this year's awards show, with star Robert Aramayo winning the leading actor award over category favorite Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for "Marty Supreme."
Editor's note: This article has been updated to note only one slur was heard during Sunday's broadcast and to include statements from BAFTA and Davidson.
