Maxine Peake has spoken out about the controversial BAFTA incident that caused global outrage earlier this year, revealing her I Swear co-star John Davidson was “knocked for six” after the event.
BAFTA 2026 Incident
In February, the BBC apologised for not editing a racial slur out of its BAFTA coverage. Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, shouted the N-word as Black actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award on stage. The moment was broadcast on a two-hour delay, raising questions about why it was not removed.
Peake's Reaction
During a Q&A at the Sheffield Documentary Festival on Saturday, Peake said: “I felt that none of the communities in that room were taken care of. There was a failure of duty of care to the actors. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to hear that word. And to John as well. I don’t think it was explained enough about his condition – obviously, that’s what the film was about! But you can’t expect people to know if they don’t know.”
Peake, who starred in the 2025 film inspired by Davidson’s life, added: “I just felt everyone in that room was let down on that day, and big lessons have to be learned from it. I messaged John afterwards, and he was absolutely devastated – it really knocked him for six. It was a really sad, distressing event for everyone, but particularly the two groups affected most: John and the actors.”
Davidson's Statement
Davidson, awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to people with Tourette’s Syndrome, said at the time: “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding.”
Sheffield Documentary Festival Appearance
Peake was a guest of honour at the festival, where she discussed working-class voices in media with filmmaker Paul Sng. The Bolton-born star shared fears that far-right movements are targeting working-class voters, noting that “the left dropped the ball a long time ago” and should offer hope to the disenfranchised. “We’ve done so much struggling on the left – it’s been so disparate. We’re realising this is last chance saloon – it’s really dangerous times,” she said.
