The BBC has issued an apology following a racial slur that was broadcast during the BAFTA awards ceremony held on February 18, 2024, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The incident occurred when a member of the audience, who has Tourette syndrome, shouted the slur while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for special visual effects. This unexpected outburst overshadowed the celebration, drawing immediate attention from media outlets globally.
Throughout the ceremony, several other outbursts were reported, including additional strong language that disrupted the proceedings. Witnesses noted that the auditorium fell silent during speeches, which made the sudden interruptions even more striking. A source described the atmosphere in the room as one of “visible shock,” adding that no one responded openly at the moment.
BBC Responds to Incident
Following the incident, the BBC expressed regret for “any offence caused” by the broadcast. Host Alan Cumming briefly addressed viewers during the ceremony, acknowledging the offensive language. He emphasized the nature of Tourette syndrome, stating, “You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that it is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome. Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary.” Cumming’s remarks were aimed at clarifying that the individual responsible for the outburst had no control over their speech.
The film I Swear, which explores the life of Scottish Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, had a presence at the BAFTAs, with its star Robert Aramayo winning both the Leading Actor award and the EE Rising Star award during the event.
Public Backlash and Reactions
In the wake of the broadcast, the BBC faced significant backlash from viewers on social media. Many expressed outrage at the moment being aired live. Presenter Narinder Kaur took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her disapproval, stating, “I’m sorry, this is WILDLY unacceptable on so many levels – mostly so from @BAFTA. We can all understand he has a condition, but this is subjecting Jordan and Lindo to racial trauma, which everyone needs to understand is UNACCEPTABLE on every level.”
Political figures also weighed in on the incident. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, commented during an interview on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, stating that the BBC “made a mistake,” but added that she did not believe that the black community would experience lasting trauma from the incident. Badenoch remarked, “The BBC made a horrible mistake. I think that the two actors standing there are the people who would’ve been most embarrassed because they wouldn’t have known what was going on.”
Tourette syndrome, as described by the NHS, is a condition that causes individuals to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics. While there is currently no cure, various treatment options can help manage symptoms. Tics can manifest in multiple forms, including involuntary swearing, which may be triggered by stress, excitement, or fatigue.
The incident at the BAFTAs serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding live broadcasts and the sensitivity required when addressing issues related to disabilities and race. As the public continues to react, the BBC faces the challenge of addressing the fallout from this surprising episode.
