Key Takeaways
- The BBC apologized for airing a racial slur during its delayed Bafta Film Awards broadcast.
- The slur was shouted by John Davidson, a Tourette’s campaigner whose life inspired the film I Swear.
- The moment was not edited out of the two-hour delayed BBC One broadcast.
- Public figures, actors, and advocacy groups responded to the incident.
- The situation has sparked a wider conversation about Tourette’s syndrome, coprolalia, and live broadcast standards.
BBC Issues Apology After Baftas Broadcast Error
The BBC has apologized after a racial slur was heard during its coverage of the Bafta Film Awards.
The incident happened when John Davidson — whose life story inspired the film I Swear — shouted the N-word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award.
Although the ceremony aired on a two-hour delay, the moment was not edited out before the BBC One broadcast. The version was later removed from BBC iPlayer after the backlash.
A BBC spokesperson said:
“We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
What Happened at the Baftas?
John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome advocate from Scotland, was attending the ceremony as the subject of I Swear, a film based on his life.
During the event, he shouted loudly several times. One of the tics included a racial slur while two Black actors were on stage.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience later that evening:
“Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary… We apologise if you were offended.”
Davidson reportedly left the ceremony partway through.
Public Reaction to the Bafta Incident
The response was immediate and emotional.
Political Reaction
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as “a horrible mistake,” saying the BBC needed to explain why the slur was not removed before broadcast.
Industry Reaction
Several high-profile figures shared their thoughts:
- Hannah Beachler, production designer for Sinners, said the situation was “almost impossible,” but criticized what she called a “throw away apology.”
- Wendell Pierce said full apologies should have been directed immediately to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
- Jamie Foxx called the slur “unacceptable” in an Instagram comment.
The moment quickly became one of the most talked-about topics from the 2026 Baftas.
Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome and Coprolalia
The incident has reignited public discussion around Tourette’s syndrome and a specific symptom known as coprolalia.
Tourette’s is a neurological condition characterized by:
- Sudden, involuntary movements or sounds (tics)
- Repetitive vocal or physical behaviors
- In some cases, socially inappropriate language
According to Tourette’s Action charity, between 10% and 30% of people with Tourette’s experience coprolalia — involuntary swearing or use of offensive language.
Pippa McClounan, communications manager at Tourette’s Action, explained:
“The tics are involuntary, and they are in no way a reflection of what that person is thinking or their beliefs. It’s a neurological condition.”
She emphasized that moments like this represent the daily reality for many living with Tourette’s.
Actor Robert Aramayo Speaks Out
Robert Aramayo, who portrayed Davidson in I Swear and won Best Actor at the Baftas, addressed the incident afterward.
He said:
“It’s not shouting obscenities, it’s not being abusive, it’s Tourette’s and they’re tics.”
Aramayo added that if the situation leads to greater understanding of Tourette’s, it could create meaningful dialogue.
The film I Swear also won Best Casting, and Aramayo received the Rising Star Award.
The Bigger Issue: Live TV, Delays, and Editorial Responsibility
The controversy also raises questions about broadcast standards, particularly for award shows aired on delay.
With a two-hour window, viewers and critics questioned why the moment was not removed before airing.
In today’s media environment — where social media clips spread instantly — broadcasters face increasing pressure to:
- Edit sensitive content quickly
- Protect individuals targeted by offensive language
- Balance disability awareness with harm prevention
Award shows are high-profile global events. Even brief moments can trigger widespread discussion.
Why This Story Matters
This incident sits at the intersection of:
- Disability awareness
- Racial sensitivity
- Broadcast responsibility
- Public accountability
It highlights the complexity of handling involuntary medical conditions in live or semi-live settings — especially when offensive language is involved.
For many, the priority was protecting those targeted by the slur.
For others, the focus was ensuring greater public understanding of Tourette’s syndrome.
Both conversations are continuing.
About I Swear
I Swear follows John Davidson’s life growing up with Tourette’s in 1980s Scotland. Davidson, who received an MBE in 2019 for his advocacy work, has long campaigned to improve awareness and support for families affected by the condition.
The film’s success at the Baftas brought attention to Tourette’s — but not in the way many expected.
Final Thoughts
The BBC’s apology closes one chapter of the story, but broader conversations remain.
The Bafta Film Awards incident has become more than a broadcast mistake. It has sparked a debate about disability, race, media responsibility, and how society responds to complex situations in real time.
As audiences demand both accountability and understanding, moments like this remind us how quickly a live broadcast can shift into a national conversation.
