Delroy Lindo has spoken for the first time after a racial slur was shouted during the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony. The slur was shouted by a member of the audience who reportedly had Tourette syndrome as Delroy and his fellow Sinners actor Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.
Delroy said he and his co-host “did what he had to do” – but he wishes “someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards.” The BBC apologised for “any offence caused” after the slur was broadcast. A spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.
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“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
Delroy is said to have spoken to Vanity Fair about the incident at one of the BAFTA after parties. During the broadcast, the awards ceremony’s presenter Alan Cumming issued an apology for the language viewers may hear.
A BBC spokesperson added this afternoon: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Presenter Michael appeared to freeze momentarily as he reacted to an involuntary slur when he was on stage with Sinners co-star Delroy. “Good evening. Delroy and I are delighted to be presenting the first BAFTA of the night for a vital part of movie making,” Michael began.
Both paused before taking a beat to compose themselves. Delroy then continued: “We’re here to celebrate the artists who expand what’s possible on screen.”
Later, presenter Cumming said: “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.
“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.”
I Swear stars Robert Aramayo, and tells the story of Scottish campaigner for Tourette syndrome, John Davidson, who developed the condition when he was 12, and was in the audience for at least part of the ceremony.
Aramayo won best actor and the EE Rising Star for his performance in the film, which also won best casting.
Davidson, who is the inspiration for BAFTA-nominated movie “I Swear,” was diagnosed with the syndrome at the age of 25. His symptoms, which first began when he was 12, include tics and uncontrollable outbursts, often involving cursing.
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by multiple, involuntary, and repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.
The ceremony saw Sinners director Ryan Coogler become the first black winner of the Bafta for best original screenplay for the film, which also won best supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku and original score.
Bafta, Tourette Scotland, Lindo and Jordan have been contacted for comment.
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