BAFTA and the BBC have apologized after a person with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the British Academy Film Awards.
stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects during Sunday’s ceremony.Host Alan Cumming had earlier told the audience that a guest at the ceremony was John Davidson , a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette’s who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.
” Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations, including the uttering of inappropriate words. After the outburst, Cumming apologized to the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the “strong and offensive language.” “Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologize if you were offended.” The British Academy of Film and Television Arts referred to Cumming’s statement when asked for comment on Monday. The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologized Monday, though the offensive word could still be heard on the broadcaster’s streaming site. “This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional,” it said in a statement. “We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard.”Ed Palmer, vice chairman of the charity Tourettes Action, said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur. “This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offense to someone,” he told Times Radio. “So, if it’s being prerecorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.” Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Charlton County farmer videos massive blaze impacting farmLarge plume of smoke rises from uncontained Charlton County widlfireFinding furever homes for dogs at Dogtopia Jax Beach Blvd▶Cold cases of 2 Jacksonville men highlighted for Missing Adults Day at city hallSheriff says woman who held boys at gunpoint should have handled trespassing differentlyJSO launches new investigation on TikTok account posting women, children without consentMayor Deegan calls councilman's claims of 'toxic' culture at JEA a 'vile smear campaign' against CEOMayor Deegan calls councilman's claims of 'toxic' culture at JEA a 'vile smear campaign' against CEOHow a Clay County woman gained over half a million followers on TikTok by keeping it realSt. Johns Technical High to merge with St. Augustine High next academic school yearFrom coffee-table classics to ‘Bold’: New Jacksonville magazine honors Black legacy mediaJacksonville family sleeping in truck seeks help after house fire destroyed everything19-year-old charged in Magnolia Gardens shooting that injured 4, including Raines High studentDoes Jacksonville have the potential to be a little Hollywood?Voices of the 904: Live from LaVilla edition - A conversation on Black history and cultureJEA board nominee withdraws amid criticism over councilman’s text messages citing ‘big favor’PV Boys Hoops Playoff PrepInspection forces Jacksonville wholesale warehouse to close; Owner seeks donations to reopenConfidence grows for coaches as the bill for better pay picks up steam in Florida.St. Johns County parents express sympathy for family of 12-year-old killed in crashIt's feeling like spring. It's time to start some seeds and grow some tasty greens for spring.It's feeling like spring. It's time to start some seeds and grow some tasty greens for spring.Passion 4 Pets Adoption Event Returns Feb. 21 at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard
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