Sinners star Delroy Lindo has spoken in more detail about the N-word controversy at the Baftas, where a racial slur shouted by Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson was broadcast on BBC One during the edited highlights. Lindo, nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar, told NPR’s Fresh Air podcast that he had only “a nanosecond” to process the slur as he took the stage with Michael B Jordan to present an award.
“You have to understand, we had jobs to do… There was a nano of a nano of a nanosecond, when I’m thinking: ‘Wait, did I just hear what I thought I heard?’ But then… one had to read the teleprompter and get on with presenting the award,” Lindo said. He added that Jordan had a similar response and they “went on and did our jobs.”
BBC director general Tim Davie told parliament’s culture, media and sport committee that the slur “should never have been broadcast” and explained the error was due to confusion with a similar slur directed at Lindo’s co-star Wunmi Mosaku, which was removed. The edit team, unaware of the first slur, mistakenly believed instructions to remove slurs had been carried out. Davie also addressed the delay in removing the broadcast from iPlayer, saying producers initially thought the slur was inaudible until the following morning, when chief content officer Kate Phillips authorised its deletion.
Davidson, present at the ceremony because his film I Swear was nominated, has apologised for the slurs, saying he “can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been”. Lindo said he wishes “someone from Bafta spoke to us afterwards” and expressed gratitude for the support he has received. He also discussed his Windrush heritage, noting that his mother was a nurse who helped rebuild the NHS.
