BAFTA Awards Marred by Racial Slur Incident Involving Michael B. Jordan
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were overshadowed by a deeply disturbing incident where a racial slur was shouted from the audience as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented on stage. According to insiders speaking to the Daily Mail, Jordan was left feeling "disgusted" by the outburst, which has sent shockwaves through the ceremony and the film industry at large.
Outburst from Guest with Tourette Syndrome
The shocking verbal attack originated from John Davidson MBE, a guest who has Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary verbal tics and movements. Hours after the incident, which blindsided both Jordan and Lindo, organizers were reportedly thrown into a desperate scramble backstage to manage the fallout.
"Delroy and Michael, like everyone else, didn't expect what happened to happen," a source revealed to the Daily Mail. "In the moment, they didn't know what was happening, and they have since talked about it with each other, and they both agreed they did the right thing and didn't address it, didn't give it any life more than it ended up turning into."
Backstage Chaos and Attempts to Downplay
The insider emphasized that the actors were determined to stay focused on their professional duties despite the offensive interruption. "They were there to do a job, to celebrate, and they did that. It is very unfortunate with the fallout, but they both are hoping that this can be a teachable moment."
However, a second source claimed the situation deteriorated significantly behind the scenes. "Organizers spent the entire evening trying to convince Michael and Lindo that the outburst wasn't offensive, but they were disgusted, both at what was said and the efforts to convince viewers it was just an 'outburst,'" the source alleged.
"It ruined the night and people close to them wonder if Alan [Cumming] would have been as understanding if John's outburst had included a slur directed at him." The insider further stated that multiple industry figures attempted to downplay the incident backstage, with some Studio Canal representatives trying to explain it away to the actors, who reportedly were not interested in such justifications.
Wider Fallout and Studio Concerns
There are mounting concerns about the broader implications for the studio behind "Sinners," the film Jordan and Lindo were promoting, which has already grossed an impressive $370 million at the global box office. "The big concern for Sony will be that Sinners just made $370 million at the box office, and Sony now has to sell a biopic in the US about a man who just called its two lead actors the N-word on national television during American Black History Month," the source highlighted.
According to those close to the situation, the BBC has since issued a direct apology to Jordan and members of the cast and crew. "The BBC spoke to Michael and the crew today and apologized for letting it air and wanted to stress that they don't believe John had ill-intent," the source explained. "Michael accepted the apology but people around him are not completely convinced that the comment didn't have any racist undertones."
Official Statements and Apologies
In a formal statement to the Daily Mail, BAFTA acknowledged the "very offensive language" heard during Sunday night's ceremony, describing it as something that "carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many" and offering an "unreserved" apology to all those impacted. The organization confirmed the outburst came from guest Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, noting that such tics are "in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional."
BAFTA revealed it had taken precautions by warning attendees that Davidson was present and that they "may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony." However, they admitted that "a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard" while Jordan and Lindo were on stage. "Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologize unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism," the statement read.
Davidson also released a statement, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, expressing his deep mortification. "I can only add that I am and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," Davidson began. He thanked BAFTA for their support and understanding, noting he felt "welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me."
Moving Forward Constructively
Despite the anger and distress caused, sources insist both Jordan and Lindo are seeking to move forward in a constructive manner. "They both don't want this to hinder the rest of award season and potential future wins for Sinners," the source said. "They know that they will have to address it and will be asked about it over and over, and they will, but they are also looking to have a conversation with John Davidson. Again they want this to be a teachable moment and maybe a moment that can unite us rather than to continue to divide us."
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Jordan, Davidson, Lindo, the BBC, Studio Canal, and Cumming for further comment on this developing situation.
