Delroy Lindo, the esteemed actor, has publicly acknowledged the overwhelming "support and love" he received after a distressing incident at the Bafta Film Awards last Sunday. The 73-year-old star, alongside his Sinners co-star Michael B. Jordan, was presenting the special visual effects award in London when a racial slur was inadvertently shouted from the audience.
Addressing the Controversy at the NAACP Image Awards
Lindo chose to speak about the event while on stage at the NAACP Image Awards in California on Saturday. This ceremony honours outstanding achievements by black and minority ethnic individuals in the arts. Accompanied by Sinners director Ryan Coogler, Lindo shared his heartfelt appreciation with the audience.
"We appreciate – I appreciate – all of the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend, it means a lot to us," the British-born actor stated. He emphasised the positive transformation of the situation, noting, "It’s a classic case of something that could’ve been very negative becoming very positive. Thank you so much for the support."
Support from the Entertainment Community
Lindo praised the NAACP event as "a room where being fully seen is not rare, but it is expected." Further solidarity was shown by actress Regina Hall, who acknowledged both Lindo and Jordan during her presentation of the night's first award. Hall, renowned for her roles in the Scary Movie franchise, expressed, "I just want to take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class."
Background of the Bafta Incident
The racial slur was shouted by Scottish campaigner John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome, a condition causing involuntary vocalisations. Davidson, who is "deeply mortified" by the incident, attended the Baftas where his documentary I Swear, detailing his life and struggles, was nominated. The BBC later apologised for failing to edit the slur from the delayed broadcast of the ceremony.
Host's Remarks and Organisational Context
The 57th NAACP Image Awards, held in Pasadena and hosted by actor-comedian Deon Cole, featured light-hearted commentary on the Bafta event. Cole joked, "If there are any white men out here in the audience with Tourette’s, I advise you to tell them they can read the room tonight." The NAACP, established in 1909 to combat violence against black people, remains the United States' largest civil rights organisation, boasting over two million activists dedicated to advancing racial equality and justice.
