Involuntary Racial Slur Halts London Film Awards Ceremony

By Zoe Papadakis | Monday, 23 February 2026 11:00 AM EST

A racial slur shouted out by a man with Tourette syndrome interrupted the opening moments of Sunday’s 79th British Academy Film Awards ceremony in London, halting proceedings during the presentation of the first prize.

Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage to present the award for best visual effects when the incident occurred. A voice from the audience shouted the N-word, prompting the two men to pause before continuing with the live broadcast.

John Davidson, a Tourette’s awareness campaigner and the subject of the British independent film “I Swear,” was identified as the person who shouted during the event. Davidson explained that he experiences involuntary tics, which can include sudden vocal outbursts. Ahead of the ceremony, he expressed concern about experiencing such symptoms.

On the red carpet, Davidson noted that crowded settings can intensify his symptoms: “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,” he said.

Davidson also revealed that Robert Aramayo, who portrays him in the film, studied his experiences closely for the role. According to Davidson, Aramayo asked: “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?”

Organizers had previously alerted the audience that involuntary swearing or tics might occur. Davidson received applause inside the venue. Later in the evening, Aramayo won the award for best actor.

Host Alan Cumming addressed the crowd after the disruption: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” he said. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

The incident was broadcast on BBC One with a two-hour delay and remained available on BBC iPlayer until Monday morning, when it was removed from the platform.

In a statement after the event, the BBC apologized: “We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer,” a spokesperson said. “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.”