While it's supposed to be a night of glitz, glamour and celebration, Sunday night's BAFTAs drew international attention for all the wrong reasons after a racial slur was shouted out during the ceremony, which was broadcast.
Awards shows have a long history of controversy, ranging from winner mix-ups to political outbursts – and the latest edition of the BAFTAs at Royal Festival Hall continues that streak, with news outlets from around the world covering the story.
The slur was reportedly shouted out by a member of the audience with Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects. A number of outbursts were heard throughout the ceremony, including strong and offensive language.
A source told HELLO!: "The auditorium fell completely silent during the speeches, making the sudden outbursts clearly audible. The reaction in the room was one of visible shock, yet no one openly responded."
The BBC's apology
On Monday, the BBC issued an apology for "any offence caused" after the shocking moment was broadcast.
"Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard."
The moment remained on BBC iPlayer on Monday morning before being removed.
Alan Cumming addresses the outbursts
During the ceremony, host Alan Cumming briefly paused proceedings to apologise to viewers for any offensive language they may hear.
"You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight," he said. "If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
© Getty Images for BAFTA"Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended."
I Swear tells the true story of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, who was in the audience for at least part of the ceremony. The film's star Robert Aramayo picked up two awards on Sunday night: the Leading Actor award and the EE Rising Star award.
© Mike Marsland/WireImageBacklash on social media
It's no surprise that the BBC has faced backlash from viewers following the broadcast, with some sharing their outrage that the moment was broadcast.
Presenter Narinder Kaur penned on X: "I'm sorry, this is WILDLY unacceptable on so many levels - mostly so from @BAFTA. We can all understand he has a condition, but this is subjecting Jordan and Lindo to racial trauma, which everyone needs to understand is UNACCEPTABLE on every level."
© Getty Images for BAFTAMeanwhile, leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, said the BBC "made a mistake" during an interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Monday.
"Once in a while these things happen. I don't think black people in the country are going to be traumatised," she said. "The BBC made a mistake, a horrible mistake. I think that the two actors standing there are the people who would've been most embarrassed because they wouldn't have known what was going on, and Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan are the ones who need the biggest apology, this is a huge, huge mistake."
A statement from Tourettes Action
Following the incident, the charity Tourettes Action said it was "incredibly proud" of Mr Davidson and those involved in the film I Swear, adding that "it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary".
A spokesperson said in a statement: "We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John’s involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony.
"We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but, at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character.
© Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Im"People with Tourette’s can say words or phrases they do not mean, do not endorse and feel great distress about afterwards.
"These symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and they are something John – like many others with Tourette’s – lives with every single day."
The statement added that it found the "backlash deeply saddening", adding that Mr Davidson made the decision to leave the ceremony early.
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is "a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements (tics). There is no cure, but treatment can help manage the tics," according to the NHS.
© Graeme Hunter PicturesTics involving sounds may include sniffing, whistling, clearing your throat a lot, making animal sounds, repeating a sound, word or phrase, or swearing.
Tics can be triggered by different things, including stress, excitement, or tiredness.
