Delroy Lindo has broken his silence following an incident where a racial slur was unexpectedly shouted during the BAFTA Film Awards. The offensive language was uttered by an audience member believed to have Tourette syndrome, while Delroy and his Sinners co-star Michael B Jordan were presenting the special visual effects award at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Delroy expressed that he and his co-host handled the situation as best as they could, but he expressed a desire for a post-incident conversation with a representative from BAFTA. The BBC issued an apology for any potential offense caused by the language heard during the live broadcast, clarifying that the outburst was due to involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and not intentional.

The incident was also discussed by Delroy at a BAFTA after-party, as confirmed by reports from Vanity Fair. The ceremony’s host, Alan Cumming, acknowledged the use of strong language during the event and reiterated that the outbursts were involuntary due to Tourette syndrome, offering an apology to viewers who may have been offended.

The film “I Swear,” centered around a character with Tourette syndrome, was featured during the awards show. The lead actor, Robert Aramayo, won accolades for his performance, including best actor and the EE Rising Star award. The movie also secured recognition for best casting.

The representation of Tourette syndrome in the film was particularly significant, as it reflected the story of John Davidson, a Scottish advocate for individuals with the condition who was present at the ceremony. Davidson’s personal journey with Tourette syndrome, which began in his early teens, involves uncontrollable tics and outbursts, often involving swearing.

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements and vocalizations known as tics. The BAFTA ceremony also made history with Sinners director Ryan Coogler becoming the first black recipient of the award for best original screenplay, alongside other notable wins for the film.

For further insights and updates on BAFTA, Tourette syndrome, Lindo, and Jordan, relevant parties have been approached for comments.