BAFTA HOST ALAN Cumming has urged understanding of Tourettes after a racial slur was 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Apologising for the interruptions, Cummings said: “Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight.”

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 the 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 BBC has been contacted for comment.