American actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were involved in a viral moment at the British Academy Film Awards in London, England on Sunday, Feb. 22.
An audience member’s racial outburst prompted an apology from The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The broadcaster claims an audience member’s racial outburst and profanity were symptoms of Tourette syndrome.
The audience member’s outbursts drew criticisms from Americans across the pond. Viewers criticized the BBC for leaving the racial slur in the television broadcast, which aired on a 2-hour delay.
Variety also reported that someone yelled “shut the f— up” and “f–k you” at the event.
“Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026,” a BBC spokesperson told NBC News. “This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard.”
BAFTA host Alan Cumming also apologized for the outbursts.
“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,” Cumming said. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Cumming claimed Tourette’s causes sufferers to use profanity:
“If you have seen the film ‘I Swear,’ you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome,” he said. “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 apologize if you were offended.”
Tourette syndrome, or Tourette’s, is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary verbal outbursts and tics (involuntary movements).
The BAFTA-nominated movie “I Swear” stars Robert Aramayo as a person who is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome.
John Davidson, who is diagnosed with Tourette’s, was the inspiration for the movie’s character. Davidson was in the audience, but NBC News was unable to confirm that Davidson was behind the racial slur or the profanity.
Famous people with Tourette’s include former NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, actor Dan Aykroyd, singer Billie Eilish, and soccer star David Beckham.
See photos from the BAFTA Academy Film Awards below.
Actress-singer Teyana Taylor attends the BAFTA Academy Film Awards 2026 ceremony at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England on February 22, 2026.
Actress Kerry Washington attends the BAFTA Academy Film Awards 2026 ceremony at The Royal Festival Hall in London.
Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the BAFTA Academy Film Awards 2026 ceremony at The Royal Festival Hall in London.
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