The British Academy Film Awards and BBC apologized on Feb. 23 for a racial slur that was broadcast during Sunday's show while two stars of the film “Sinners” were onstage.
The Tourette syndrome campaigner who shouted the slur said he was "deeply mortified” and what he said was “not a reflection of my personal beliefs.”
The highly offensive word could be heard as “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who are both Black, were presenting the award for best visual effects during Sunday’s ceremony. Host Alan Cumming had earlier told the audience that Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson was in attendance.
The incident prompted the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to apologize for “offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” adding “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”
Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome, who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear,” said in a statement that he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
Tourettes Action — a Tourette syndrome charity — called for understanding of the condition.
“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character,” said Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action.
After the slur was shouted during Jordan and Lindo’s presentation, Cumming apologized to the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the “strong and offensive language.”
The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologized for not editing it out before the broadcast, though the offensive word could still be heard on its iPlayer streaming service on Monday morning. The program was later removed, and the BBC said the slur would be edited out.
