BAFTAs Host Apologizes to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for Slur
BAFTAs Host Apologizes to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo for Slur
Nicole WeaverSun, February 22, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC
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Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage at the BAFTAs to present the first award of the night. A man yelled the N-word from the audience. Lindo, 73, paused after the outburst and continued presenting. Alan Cumming hosted the ceremony and later apologized.
John Davidson left the BAFTAs
John Davidson Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images (Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
"You may have noticed some strong language in the background," Cumming said. "This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone."
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John Davidson, the inspiration for I Swear, attended the ceremony and has Tourette's. Robert Aramayo plays Davidson in the movie and took home the BAFTA for Best Leading Actor. "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," Cumming said later in the ceremony. "We apologize if you are offended tonight." Variety reported that Davidson left the ceremony later on his own accord.
Jordan, 39, and Lindo were at the ceremony because Sinners was nominated for 13 awards. They also presented the award for Best Visual Effects to Avatar Fire and Ash before the outburst. Wunmi Mosaku won for Best Supporting Actress for her role, Annie. Ludwig Göransson won for Best Original Score.
Ryan Coogler won for Best Screenplay, making him the first Black winner in this BAFTA category. He gave advice to other writers in his acceptance speech. "For all the writers out there, when y’all look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you’ve seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better and let that love motivate you," he said, according to Variety. "I’ll be forever grateful for this, thank you all."
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
