LAST UPDATE | 1 hr ago

THE BBC HAS removed the Baftas from its iPlayer after it failed to edit out a racial slur shouted at Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo as they presented the first award at last night’s ceremony.

The awards show host Alan Cumming apologised for offence caused by the interruption from John Davidson, 54, who lives with Tourettes syndrome - a motor disorder that can involve involuntary tics and outbursts.

Jordan and Lindo were mid-speech presenting the award for best visual effects to Avatar: Fire and Ash when Davidson shouted the slur. The actors paused for a moment then continued their speech.

The interruption was broadcast as part of the BBC’s delayed broadcast of the Baftas, with the slur audibly shouted from the audience. The BBC has been criticised by some for this not being edited out of the broadcast.

In a statement today, the BBC apologised that the language was not edited out prior to broadcast and said it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.

“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional.”

Davidson, who is the inspiration behind the Bafta-winning movie I Swear, was diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome at age 25. His tics often involve cursing.

During the show, Cumming said: “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.”

The production designer for Sinners set, Hannah Bleachers, has criticised the “throwaway apology”.

I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can't find the words. The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.

— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) February 23, 2026

“I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of ‘if you were offended’”, she said in a post on X.

“The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.”

A floor manager told the audience before the show about the potential for Davidson to carry out “involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony”.

According to Variety, Davidson’s tics interrupted several speeches at the awards show. He was reported to have voluntarily left halfway during the show.

Jordan and Lindo starred in Ryan Coogler’s movie Sinners, which took home the Bafta last for original screenplay. Coogler made history by becoming the first Black winner in the category’s history.

Sinners had 13 Bafta nominations in total, including Best Film, while Jordan was also up for Best Actor for his dual role as twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore.

The award for Best Actor went to Robert Aramayo, who played Davidson in I Swear, a movie about growing up with Tourettes in Scotland.

After the ceremony, Aramayo was asked by the BBC about the interruptions made by Davidson during the show.

“First of all they are tics. He is ticking. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette’s is a joint responsibility. It’s not shouting obscenities. It’s not being abusive. It’s Tourettes,” Aramayo said.

“They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourettes, and movies are part of that conversation, then it’s an incredible thing.”

Neither Jordan, Lindo or Davidson have yet publicly commented on the incident.

The Baftas and representatives for Cumming have been contacted for comment.