Delroy Lindo Reflects on Baftas Incident as 'Very Positive' Experience
Oscar-nominated actor Delroy Lindo has publicly addressed the recent controversy at the Bafta Film Awards, describing the incident as ultimately transforming into a "very positive" situation. Lindo made these remarks while on stage at the NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, 28 February, where he received an award and acknowledged the overwhelming support he has received.
Controversy at the Bafta Ceremony
The incident occurred during the Bafta Film Awards last week, when Lindo and his Sinners co-star Michael B. Jordan were presenting an award. Audience member John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner whose life inspired the Bafta-winning film I Swear, experienced an involuntary tic that caused him to shout a racial slur. Davidson has coprolalia, a type of Tourette's that leads to involuntary cursing or socially inappropriate remarks.
Despite a two-hour delay between the live ceremony and the televised broadcast, the BBC failed to edit out the offensive language, sparking significant criticism. Davidson had been ticcing throughout the evening, with most outbursts removed from the footage, but this particular slur was aired, leading to backlash against the broadcaster.
Lindo's Response and NAACP Image Awards Appearance
At the NAACP Image Awards, Lindo appeared alongside Sinners director Ryan Coogler and expressed gratitude for the support following the Baftas. "I'd just like to officially say, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us," Lindo stated.
He continued, "It is an honour to be here amongst our people this evening, amongst so many people who have shown us such incredible support. And it's a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive." During the ceremony, Lindo was announced as the winner of the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture award.
Davidson's Reaction and BBC's Response
In an interview this week, John Davidson revealed he felt "upset and distraught" after the incident. He claimed he had been assured beforehand that offensive involuntary tics would be cut from the broadcast, given his history of making four documentaries with the BBC. "I have made four documentaries with the BBC in the past, and feel that they should have been aware of what to expect from Tourette's and worked harder to prevent anything that I said... from being included in the broadcast," Davidson explained.
Davidson also questioned the placement of a microphone "just in front" of him, suggesting it may not have been wise given his condition. Bafta has apologised for the incident, taking "full responsibility," while the BBC has fast-tracked an internal investigation, calling it a "serious mistake."
Broader Context and Upcoming Events
Delroy Lindo is currently nominated for a Best Supporting Actor prize at the upcoming Academy Awards, which are set to take place in two weeks. His film Sinners, a genre-bending blockbuster set in the Mississippi Delta in 1932, has broken records by receiving nominations in 15 other categories, making it the most nominated single film in history. This incident highlights ongoing discussions about disability awareness, media responsibility, and community support in the entertainment industry.
