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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.San Antonio man killed by HSI agent last March in undisclosed shooting, records showCommunity members pack meeting as Judson ISD weighs closing 3 elementary schoolsFamily seeks answers, city action after deadly shooting on Rigsby AvenueMother released on bond after arrest for telling child to walk to school 19 miles awayJudge rules Paxton lacked authority to sue Bexar County over legal aid for immigrants30 students disciplined at East Central High School after anti-ICE walkout‘It was intentional’: San Antonio owner demands answers after his dog was shot in neighborhoodProposed high-voltage power line sparks pushback across Texas Hill Country0:36How messaging, emergency preparedness have changed 5 years after 2021 winter stormJefferson HS teacher looks to introduce fencing to engage students, prevent troubleAfter son’s hit-and-run death, San Antonio mother struggles with homelessness and burial costsSuspect arrested in connection with scheme that cost Converse woman her life’s savingsSakai, Nirenberg tout experience in faceoff for Bexar County JudgeWhat we know after two people killed at NW Side hookah barSan Antonio police launch investigation after dog left behind during owner’s arrestWATCH: Truck flies into Oregon home‘It looked like he got hit by a car’: Helotes dog returns home with mysterious injuriesJudson ISD board votes to close Judson Middle School amid $37 million deficitVIA employee union ‘not on board’ with free bus fare pushVerbal altercation between Judson ISD trustee and board president over Open Meetings ActJudson ISD student shares frustration over potential Franz Elem. closureHeadstone unveiled for Savanah Soto and her unborn babyFIVE YEARS AGO: A look back at the historic February 2021 winter storm in San AntonioSpurs Jackals fan group fuels father-son bond, appreciation for team
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