LONDON — It was the clip heard around the world after Sunday night’s BAFTA ceremony in London—a man yelling a racist slur as two celebrated Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented an award on stage .
The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film “I Swear,” a documentary about his life with Tourette Syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, had told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it .
Warnings and Context
The audience had been warned before the ceremony that tics or involuntary swearing could occur, as Davidson was expected to be present. He received large applause inside the hall .
Actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in “I Swear,” went on to win the night’s award for best actor. Davidson said the young English actor studied him closely in preparation for the role, asking questions like, “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?” .
Speaking on the crowded red carpet before the ceremony, Davidson explained: “Certain things—like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff” .
The Incident and Response
After the incident, host Alan Cumming asked for “understanding” for the “strong and offensive language.” He reminded the crowd that Tourette Syndrome is a disability and tics are involuntary, adding: “We apologize if you are offended tonight” .
Lindo, in particular, looked stunned at the outburst but then moved on with the ceremony, where he and Jordan presented the first award of the evening—for special visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash” .
Broadcast Questions
Contacted by CNN, the BBC, which airs the ceremony with a long delay, reiterated the message of understanding. It did not respond to questions about why the moment was not cut from the ceremony when it aired on television, raising questions about editorial judgment .
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about disability, involuntary actions, and the responsibilities of live broadcasters in handling such moments .
