Michael B. Jordan Reportedly 'Disgusted' by BAFTA's Response to On-Stage Racial Slur
Academy Award nominee Michael B. Jordan is said to have been left "disgusted" by the handling of an incident where a racial slur was shouted during his appearance at the BAFTA Film Awards in London. The actor, 39, was presenting an award alongside his Sinners co-star Delroy Lindo when the offensive term was yelled from the audience by John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome.
Actors Horrified by Organisers' Downplaying of Incident
Insiders have revealed that Jordan and Lindo were particularly upset by how BAFTA organisers attempted to manage the aftermath backstage. According to sources, officials spent the evening trying to convince the actors that the outburst was not "offensive," a response that reportedly "ruined" the entire event for them.
A source close to the situation stated: "Organisers 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'. It ruined the night and people close to them wonder if Alan [Cumming, host] would have been as understanding if John's outburst had included a slur directed at him."
Controversy Over BBC Broadcast and Backstage Explanations
The insider further alleged that behind-the-scenes attempts to "explain it all away" were unsuccessful, with the source blasting the incident as a "shambles." They highlighted that while the BBC managed to edit out other sensitive content from the broadcast, this particular moment was retained.
The source added: "Some of the Studio Canal people tried to explain it away to Michael, Lindo and Wumni backstage but they weren't interested. It really isn't acceptable. The BBC managed to erase any messages related to Palestine out of the transmission but this was somehow kept in. The whole thing is a shambles!"
Actors Focus on Professionalism Amid Award Season Concerns
Despite their distress, Jordan and Lindo reportedly remained professional throughout the ceremony, continuing to present the Special Visual Effects Award as planned. According to reports, the actors have since discussed the matter privately but were hesitant to address it immediately to avoid overshadowing their film Sinners, which has received a record number of Oscar nominations.
Another source explained: "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. They both don't want this to hinder the rest of award season and potential future wins for Sinners. They know that they will have to address it and will be asked about it over and over."
BAFTA and BBC Issue Apologies While Davidson Expresses Mortification
BAFTA and the BBC have both issued apologies for the offence caused. John Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome and was the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, stated he was "mortified" and voluntarily left the ceremony early upon realizing his tics were causing distress.
In a statement, Davidson said: "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. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so."
Organisers Take Responsibility and Pledge to Learn from Incident
A BAFTA spokesperson acknowledged the harm caused and apologised unreservedly to Jordan, Lindo, and all those impacted. The statement read: "We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."
The incident has sparked broader conversations about how institutions handle sensitive situations involving disability and racial trauma, particularly during high-profile events like awards season.
