Credit: BBC
Michael B. Jordan Had N-Word Shouted At Him By Tourette’s Campaigner While Presenting At BAFTAS
The BBC has apologized after a racial slur was shouted at actor Michael B. Jordan during the BAFTAs last night (February 22) by a Tourette’s campaigner.
The annual British awards ceremony was hosted by actor Alan C***ing (sorry we have to bleep his name for our advertisers) at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where hundreds of stars gathered to celebrate the year in film.
The first BAFTAs was held in 1949 at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London.
But it has since evolved into an evening of glitz and grandeur, with members of the royal family, such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, and celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner in attendance.
Who were the 2026 BAFTA winners?
It was a big night for One Battle After Another, which took home the coveted Best Film prize.
The competition was fierce – with Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, and Sinners all in the running – but it was Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama that ultimately claimed the top honor.
There was celebration, too, for Hamnet, which was named Outstanding British Film.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley was crowned Leading Actress for her performance in Hamnet, seeing off competition from the likes of Emma Stone and Kate Hudson.
Meanwhile, Robert Aramayo landed Leading Actor for I Swear, a film about Tourette’s, triumphing over nominees including Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What happened at the BAFTAs?
Last night’s ceremony saw Alan C***ings pause his hosting to issue a clarification, after a racial slur was shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects.
Actor and Tourette’s activist John Davidson could be heard shouting ‘shut the f*** up’ and ‘f*** you,’ as well as an outburst of the N-word, which has since been picked up online.
The 54-year-old is the inspiration for new film I Swear, which depicts a young man who suffers from the life-changing disorder.
In real life, he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at 25, with symptoms including uncontrollable tics and outbursts.
His tics could no longer be heard during the second half of the ceremony, as its understood the campaigner left of his own accord, and was not asked to leave by the event.
The BAFTAs host gave an explanation for the offensive language during the ceremony, as well as for those watching at home.
C***ings said: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background.
“This can be part of how Tourette syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.
“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
In a statement later on, he added: “Tourette 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.
“We apologise if you are offended tonight.”
Aramayo, who depicts the character of Davidson in the BAFTA-winning film, applauded the activist during his acceptance speech.
He said: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met.
“He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”
BBC apologizes over N-word inclusion
The BBC has described broadcasting the racial slur during the BAFTAs as a ‘serious mistake,’ and that its complaint unit would be fast-tracking an investigation.
A BBC spokesperson said: “The BBC has been reviewing what happened at Bafta on Sunday evening.
“This was a serious mistake and the director-general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.”
Online reaction
There has been a mixed response to the offensive language heard at the event, with many unaware of how coprolalia is uncontrollable and not indicative of a person’s beliefs.
American actor Jamie Foxx was among those who called out the language, as he wrote on Instagram: “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that?
“Nah he meant that sh**.”
Viewers have also taken to social media and aired their thoughts, with one writing: “Unacceptable.”
Another questioned: “How many other times did he say it during the show.”
What is coprolalia?
Coprolalia is the medical term used to describe one of the most socially stigmatizing symptoms of Tourette syndrome, that being the involuntary outbursts of obscene words and socially inappropriate or derogatory remarks.
The Tourette Association Of America states: “The words that may be expressed in coprolalia are often distressing to an individual, and not indicative of their personal convictions (such as in the context of racial slurs).
“In many individuals, coprolalia is not able to be controlled.”
Saying offensive and inappropriate things (coprolalia) is a symptom that affects one in 10 people with Tourette syndrome.
It’s an involuntary, and very complex, vocal tic caused by ‘faulty wiring’ in the brain, creating an unbearable, uncontrollable urge to shout obscenities.
It’s important to stress that it is not a reflection of thoughts or intent.
Related Article: Black People With Tourette’s Speak Out After N-Word Shouted At BAFTAs
Related Article: BBC Sparks Outrage For Cutting Two Words At The BAFTAs While Airing The N-Word
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