BAFTA Judge Resigns Over 'Utterly Unforgivable' Handling of Racial Slur Incident at Ceremony
BAFTA Judge Resigns Over 'Utterly Unforgivable' Handling of Racial Slur Incident at Ceremony
Becca LongmireTue, February 24, 2026 at 2:44 PM UTC
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Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo on stage at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards; John Davidson at the event on Feb. 22, 2026
Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty; Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty
BAFTA judge, Jonte Richardson has resigned from the organization following their handling of an incident at Sunday night's ceremony in which a racial slur was shouted out when Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage
In a LinkedIn post, Richardson said he was "compelled" to step back due to BAFTA's "unforgivable" handling
Following the airing of the n-word on the recorded show, BAFTA and the BBC issued separate apologies
BAFTA judge, Jonte Richardson, has resigned over the handling of Sunday night's racial slur incident involving Tourette's Syndrome advocate John Davidson at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards.
Davidson, 54 — who first began experiencing symptoms of the motor disorder, which causes involuntary verbal and physical tics, as a child — shouted the n-word as Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan, 39, and Delroy Lindo, 73, presented the award for Best Visual Effects at the Sunday, Feb. 22 show.
The BBC has since apologized after the moment was not edited out of the BBC One broadcast, which aired with a two-hour delay. It also remained on the broadcaster's catch-up service, BBC iPlayer, on Monday morning before being removed.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo present the Special Visual Effects Award on stage at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on Feb. 22
Tristan Fewings/BAFTA/Getty
After Davidson shouted the racial slur, Alan Cumming, who hosted the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, spoke to the audience, noting that the movie I Swear addressed the type of involuntary outbursts that audience members heard. He then addressed the audience again later in the evening, this time apologizing to anyone who may have been offended by Davidson’s words.
Richardson was among those criticizing the way the whole thing was handled during and after the ceremony, sharing a statement on LinkedIn on Monday, Feb. 23 confirming he felt "compelled" to "withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel" after some "considerable soul-searching."
Richardson said the organization's "handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable."
"I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an [organization] that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community," he continued.
"This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 'Just Act Normal.' However, when an [organization] like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its [behavior]," Richardson shared.
He concluded, "I hope BAFTA leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future," signing off the message, "Yours sincerely, Jonte Richardson."
BAFTA didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment regarding Richardson's post.
John Davidson attends the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on Feb. 22
Jeff Spicer/Getty
The BBC told PEOPLE in a statement on Monday, "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 [apologize] that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
BAFTA also released a statement on Monday, which included, "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and [apologize] to all."
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"Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we [apologize] unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism," BATFA also said in the statement.
"We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we [apologize] to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy," the post concluded.
In addition, Davidson spoke out about the incident in a statement he shared with Variety.
“I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast. I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs," Davidson said in his statement.
A stage manager at the BAFTA Film Awards had introduced Davidson to the audience before the show and alerted guests that they may hear some “involuntary noises or movements” during the ceremony, according to the outlet.
"I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me," Davidson continued in his statement. "In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
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Davidson attended the BAFTA Film Awards in London to represent the film I Swear, which is based on his life and experiences with Tourette's. In his statement, Davidson said that the movie, “more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome.”
He continued, “I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
After the incident, Lindo told Vanity Fair at a Warner Brothers' afterparty that he and Jordan “did what we had to do” when they were on stage, but admitted he wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us [about the incident] afterwards.”
Reps for Jordan and Lindo didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment on Monday, Feb. 23.
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