BAFTA has issued a statement following an incident where a racial slur was heard during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony. The offensive language was reportedly uttered by an audience member with Tourette syndrome while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting the award for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

In response, a spokesperson expressed regret for the distress caused by the offensive language and extended apologies to all affected. The statement clarified that John Davidson MBE, a guest with Tourette syndrome, had no control over his involuntary verbal tics, emphasizing that such tics do not reflect his beliefs and are unintentional. Davidson, an executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” based on his life experiences, has dedicated himself to raising awareness about Tourette syndrome.

The spokesperson highlighted the event’s focus on inclusivity and the proactive measures taken to alert attendees about Davidson’s tics before and during the ceremony. Acknowledging the impact of the incident, BAFTA accepted full responsibility and pledged to prioritize inclusion in all future endeavors, emphasizing the role of film and storytelling in promoting compassion and empathy.

Actor Delroy Lindo later mentioned that he and his co-host handled the situation professionally but expressed a desire for post-event communication from BAFTA. The BBC also issued an apology for the offensive language inadvertently broadcast during the ceremony, attributing it to Tourette syndrome-related tics and committing to editing out the content from the broadcast on BBC iPlayer.

During the ceremony, both Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo paused briefly after the incident before proceeding with their presentation. The host, Alan Cumming, addressed the issue, explaining the nature of Tourette syndrome and emphasizing that the language was involuntary. The film “I Swear,” which centers on Tourette syndrome, received accolades at the awards, with actor Robert Aramayo winning Best Actor and the EE Rising Star award for his performance.

John Davidson, the inspiration behind “I Swear,” was present at the ceremony. Diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at age 25, Davidson’s journey with the condition began at 12, characterized by tics and uncontrollable outbursts. Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by involuntary muscle movements and vocalizations known as tics.

The incident at the BAFTA Film Awards underscores the need for greater understanding and sensitivity towards individuals with conditions like Tourette syndrome, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity and empathy in the entertainment industry.