A BAFTA judge has resigned after the ‘utterly unforgivable’ handling of a Tourette’s sufferer’s outburst at the ceremony over the weekend. ‘
During the Bafta Film Awards on Sunday, Febuary 22, John Davidson, a Tourette’s sufferer, was heard shouting the N-word as Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects.
He later left the auditorium and apologised, while the BBC also apologised for not editing the racial slur out of the delayed broadcast.
BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson has now decided to withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel after the incident at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Jonte Richardson wrote on LinkedIn yesterday: ‘After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel.
‘The organisation’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 organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.
‘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 organisation 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 behaviour.
‘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.’
His resignation came before Mr Davidson released a statement of his own, saying he was ‘deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning’.
The campaigner confirmed he chose to leave the auditorium early as he was ‘aware of the distress my tics were causing’.
Mr Davidson said: ‘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.
‘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.’
