N-Word shoutout to Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo by BAFTA guest with Tourette Syndrome

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo had to endure a racially charged experience during their presentation at the British Academy of Film Awards (BAFTA).

The actors of “Sinners” appeared on stage to present the first prize of the evening when the N-word rang out from the audience. The two actors appeared visibly shaken, but remained calm to keep the program moving.

It was later revealed that John Davidson, a Tourette Syndrome campaigner, was behind the outburst caused by his condition. According to According to the National Institute of Health, Tourette’s syndrome is a nervous system disorder that typically causes involuntary physical or verbal outbursts called “tics.” A small number of people with Tourette’s also experience something called coprolalia, which involves involuntary swearing or making socially inappropriate comments.

Davidson attended the awards ceremony in support of the film “I Swear,” inspired by his journey with the disease. The film received a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the British Academy of Film Awards.

Shortly after the public outburst, BAFTA presenter Alan Cumming addressed the offensive incident.

“You may have noticed some profanity in the background,” Cumming shared, which did not make it to public broadcast,” Cumming shared. This may be part of how Tourette’s Syndrome manifests in some people, as the film explores that experience. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us create a respectful space for everyone.”

However, as the slur made headlines, others cited a possible nefarious motive. While noting that the tics are uncontrollable, some wondered whether having the disorder would cause you to spout racist words.

Tourette’s syndrome doesn’t make you just call black actors who win awards the N-word. This is just open racism, call it what it is. https://t.co/OfMtVut5PC

— Queer Latifah ✨ (@TheAfrocentricI) February 22, 2026

“Tourette’s syndrome doesn’t make you just call black actors who win awards the N-word. This is just overt racism, call it what it is,” one X user wrote.

On the contrary, others noted that having Tourette’s can cause a person to involuntarily hurl obscene words. However, another disabled Black

I am disabled and black.

As a member of the disability community, I will tell you the truth. It is common for white people with disabilities to use their racism as an excuse.

There are plenty of non-white people with Tourette’s Syndrome who can tell you that using the n-word is not a symptom. https://t.co/qLIWiTaFKT

— Ola Ojewumi (@Olas_Truth) February 23, 2026

“As a member of the disability community I will tell you the truth,” another user wrote. “It is common for white people with disabilities to use their disabilities to excuse their racism. There are plenty of non-white people with Tourette’s syndrome who can tell you that using the N-word is not a symptom.

In addition to these concerns, Lindo called out how the BAFTA team mishandled the situation in retrospect. According to VarietyLindo said no one from the British Academy team had apologized for the slur.

Despite hearing the violent language, Lindo noted that he and his co-star “did what we had to do” to ensure the show went on.

The broadcast, broadcast by the BBC, also came under fire for not removing the N-word. Initially, viewers could hear Davidson shout the word, with the network choosing not to remove the clip. The BBC had since removed the slur from its iPlayer stream.

RELATED CONTENT: Not-so-subtle nod to ‘sinners’ voodoo is just one more way Ryan Coogler is connecting the diaspora