Baftas N-Word Controversy Sparks Outrage

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Feb. 23, 2026, 11 a.m. — The glamor of the Bafta Awards was marred this weekend by a shocking incident involving offensive language and racial slurs. The event has ignited a firestorm of criticism across Hollywood and social media.

During the ceremony, John Davidson, a Tourette syndrome activist whose film I Swear was nominated, erupted into loud outbursts. He was heard shouting the N-word while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took the stage. The incident prompted immediate backlash, with stars and viewers alike condemning the language and the way it was handled.

Jamie Foxx, who appeared visibly stunned, did not hold back. He posted on social media calling the incident “unacceptable” and said, “Nah he meant that shit.” Fellow actor Wendell Pierce also shared his frustration. He criticized the Baftas by saying, “It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t full apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The insult to them takes priority.”

The BBC, which broadcast the event, issued a groveling apology. They explained that Davidson’s outbursts were the result of involuntary tics linked to his Tourette’s syndrome. Critics argued that this explanation did little to address the deeper issues. Hannah Beachler, a production designer, criticized the “throwaway” apology. She shared her own experience of being targeted with racial slurs at the event.

Meanwhile, Bafta host Alan Cumming addressed the situation. He explained that “Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard are involuntary. We apologize if anyone was offended.” However, many believe that the organization’s response only made the situation worse.

Rob Redding is the author of No. 1 best selling book Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung . He is the bestselling author of 18 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.