TICCED OFF - N-word outburst from on Tourette’s sufferer overshadows 2026 Baftas

A controversial racial slur stunned audiences at the 2026 Baftas on Sunday, turning what should have been a celebratory night for film into one of the most talked-about and divisive awards moments since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars.

The incident unfolded early in the ceremony when actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both stars of the hit film “Sinners,” took to the stage to present the first award of the evening.

As they announced “Avatar: Fire and Ash” as the winner for Special Visual Effects, a voice from the audience shouted the n-word.

The shocking outburst was clearly audible inside the venue and was also picked up during the recording of the show.

Jordan and Lindo visibly paused, appearing stunned as the slur echoed across the room.

The voice belonged to 54-year-old John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome and is the subject of the Bafta-nominated biopic “I Swear.”

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that causes involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics, which can sometimes include sudden, inappropriate or offensive words.

Earlier in the evening, Davidson’s vocal tics were also heard when he told BAFTA chair Sara Putt to “shut the f*k up” during her introductory speech.

Later, as the directors of “Boong” accepted the award for Best Children’s and Family Film, he shouted “f*k you.”

Presenter Alan Cumming addressed the incident directly from the stage.

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” he told the audience, according to Variety.

“Thanks for your understanding and for helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

Cumming later added, “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.”

In an interview with CNN before the ceremony, Davidson admitted he was anxious about attending such a high-profile event.

“Certain things, like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff,” he said.

Despite the on-stage clarification, backlash quickly followed online.

Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx responded to an Instagram post by The Neighborhood Talk with a blunt reaction.

“Nah he meant that sh*t,” Foxx wrote. He followed it up with, “Out of all the words you could’ve said, tourette’s makes you say that?” and then added, “unacceptable.”