The BAFTA ceremony slur incident linked to Tourette syndrome is explained in London Hall
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 23, 2026, 22:01 IST
The BAFTA ceremony slur incident linked to Tourette syndrome is explained in London Hall
A gasp ran through the room when, mid-broadcast, someone with Tourette syndrome blurted out a racist phrase during the BAFTA film ceremony. The moment spread fast online, catching reactions from hosts, viewers, and those on stage. Officials later clarified the outburst was tied to a neurological condition, not intent. Coverage by networks paused briefly before continuing. Witnesses said confusion flickered across faces until context settled in. Public discussion shifted quickly toward awareness, sparked by one uncontrolled word.
TL;DR
A sudden shout during the BAFTAs, tied to Tourette syndrome, stirred talk on how TV handles such moments. This moment questioned viewer expectations when it comes to inclusion. Reactions poured in fast, some supportive, others confused. What aired live opened wider conversations around invisible conditions. Broadcast rules now face fresh eyes. People began asking where sensitivity ends and judgement begins. The event didn’t just pass; it lingered.
That Sunday night in London, a sudden outburst at the BAFTAs spread quickly beyond the theatre walls. Midway through Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo handing out an award, someone in the crowd yelled something offensive, live on camera. The person has Tourette syndrome, which made the incident more complex than it first seemed. Right after, the host spoke up, offering words meant to clarify, not excuse. Broadcasters followed soon with statements of their own. Conversations grew online, shifting toward how society sees unpredictable behaviour linked to health conditions. What played out in seconds kept echoing afterward, stirring thoughts about respect, impulse, and public space.
One moment, it’s quiet; then a sound bursts out. That happens to John Davidson, shown in the movie I Swear, based on his own experiences with Tourette syndrome. This brain-related issue brings sudden motions or noises called tics. Before stepping into the event, he spoke with CNN about how busy places make things worse. Too many people around? His body reacts more intensely. Feelings run high, lights flash, noise builds; suddenly, words escape without warning. Stress sparks these moments, he said, making speech erupt whether he wants it or not.
People at the show already knew speech slips might happen. Inside the room, Davidson got claps after being recognised. Once it happened, Alan Cumming spoke up and asked everyone to stay calm. A reminder followed: Tourette’s means some words come out without choice. An apology came too, for anyone upset by what was said.
Monday brought a message from the BBC, admitting they failed to cut an inappropriate term before airing the event late. Streamed footage will have the remark erased soon after feedback arrives. A health issue caused the slip, not purposeful behaviour; that point came through clearly again. Delayed coverage carried what should’ve been caught earlier.
Surprise flashed across Lindo's face. A beat passed before he carried on. Alongside Jordan, the next words came steady, announcing the evening’s opening prize. It belonged to “Avatar: Fire and Ash", named best in visual effects. Though caught off guard, both stood firm. Composure held. The crowd watched. Moments like these test presence.
Later came a response from filmmaker Hannah Beachler. Amidst online posts, she shared how yet another heated moment unfolded near her at the event. Though aware things aren’t always clear-cut, she called the follow-up too little. Known for winning an Oscar in 2019 through her efforts on “Black Panther", she reminded others these instances sting, no matter the intent.
Midway through, One Battle After Another swept top categories, claiming six prizes, among them best film and a directing honour handed to Paul Thomas Anderson, per data released by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Taking home best leading actor was Robert Aramayo, whose role as Davidson in “I Swear" guided his portrayal; he spoke afterward about how diving into Davidson’s past became central to his work.
Hamnet took home top honours as best British film. Winning streaks belonged to both Sinners and Frankenstein; each walked away with three trophies. A statement from BAFTA described this year’s lineup as full of distinct voices, different rhythms, and varied ideas. Stories came alive in forms nobody quite expected.
One per cent of kids across the globe deal with Tourette syndrome, say medical pros, lasting sometimes into grown-up years; this comes from CDC data. Sounds made without meaning to, like sudden swearing, stem from brain wiring, doctors clarify, not choice.
Now people who support disability rights, TV networks, and those watching at home are talking more about how to include everyone without upsetting viewers. Though nothing official has changed yet, the team behind the show mentioned their goal was to act with care during the moment so things could go on smoothly.
A sudden shout during the BAFTAs, tied to Tourette syndrome, stirred talk on how TV handles such moments. This moment questioned viewer expectations when it comes to inclusion. Reactions poured in fast, some supportive, others confused. What aired live opened wider conversations around invisible conditions. Broadcast rules now face fresh eyes. People began asking where sensitivity ends and judgement begins. The event didn’t just pass; it lingered.
That Sunday night in London, a sudden outburst at the BAFTAs spread quickly beyond the theatre walls. Midway through Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo handing out an award, someone in the crowd yelled something offensive, live on camera. The person has Tourette syndrome, which made the incident more complex than it first seemed. Right after, the host spoke up, offering words meant to clarify, not excuse. Broadcasters followed soon with statements of their own. Conversations grew online, shifting toward how society sees unpredictable behaviour linked to health conditions. What played out in seconds kept echoing afterward, stirring thoughts about respect, impulse, and public space.
One moment, it’s quiet; then a sound bursts out. That happens to John Davidson, shown in the movie I Swear, based on his own experiences with Tourette syndrome. This brain-related issue brings sudden motions or noises called tics. Before stepping into the event, he spoke with CNN about how busy places make things worse. Too many people around? His body reacts more intensely. Feelings run high, lights flash, noise builds; suddenly, words escape without warning. Stress sparks these moments, he said, making speech erupt whether he wants it or not.
People at the show already knew speech slips might happen. Inside the room, Davidson got claps after being recognised. Once it happened, Alan Cumming spoke up and asked everyone to stay calm. A reminder followed: Tourette’s means some words come out without choice. An apology came too, for anyone upset by what was said.
Monday brought a message from the BBC, admitting they failed to cut an inappropriate term before airing the event late. Streamed footage will have the remark erased soon after feedback arrives. A health issue caused the slip, not purposeful behaviour; that point came through clearly again. Delayed coverage carried what should’ve been caught earlier.
Surprise flashed across Lindo's face. A beat passed before he carried on. Alongside Jordan, the next words came steady, announcing the evening’s opening prize. It belonged to “Avatar: Fire and Ash", named best in visual effects. Though caught off guard, both stood firm. Composure held. The crowd watched. Moments like these test presence.
Later came a response from filmmaker Hannah Beachler. Amidst online posts, she shared how yet another heated moment unfolded near her at the event. Though aware things aren’t always clear-cut, she called the follow-up too little. Known for winning an Oscar in 2019 through her efforts on “Black Panther", she reminded others these instances sting, no matter the intent.
Midway through, One Battle After Another swept top categories, claiming six prizes, among them best film and a directing honour handed to Paul Thomas Anderson, per data released by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Taking home best leading actor was Robert Aramayo, whose role as Davidson in “I Swear" guided his portrayal; he spoke afterward about how diving into Davidson’s past became central to his work.
Hamnet took home top honours as best British film. Winning streaks belonged to both Sinners and Frankenstein; each walked away with three trophies. A statement from BAFTA described this year’s lineup as full of distinct voices, different rhythms, and varied ideas. Stories came alive in forms nobody quite expected.
One per cent of kids across the globe deal with Tourette syndrome, say medical pros, lasting sometimes into grown-up years; this comes from CDC data. Sounds made without meaning to, like sudden swearing, stem from brain wiring, doctors clarify, not choice.
Now people who support disability rights, TV networks, and those watching at home are talking more about how to include everyone without upsetting viewers. Though nothing official has changed yet, the team behind the show mentioned their goal was to act with care during the moment so things could go on smoothly.