The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards broadcast drew scrutiny after the BBC acknowledged that a racial slur was captured in its televised coverage. The broadcaster said the comment stemmed from an involuntary verbal tic associated with Tourette’s syndrome and apologised for failing to remove the audio before airing the ceremony.
Footage from the Royal Festival Hall shows the moment during the presentation of the award for Best Visual Effects, when stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The incident provoked audible shock in the auditorium and prompted the broadcaster to remove the ceremony from its streaming service, BBC iPlayer, while an edited version is prepared.
What happened during the ceremony
What happened during the ceremony
Broadcasters captured an outburst by John Davidson, a campaigner featured in the film I Swear. The film documents his life and experiences with Tourette’s syndrome.
Medical experts describe the condition as producing abrupt, repeated sounds or words known as tics. Some tics may include involuntary swearing.
The BBC said the language heard during the telecast resulted from such involuntary tics and that the remark was not intentional. The broadcaster is preparing an edited version of the ceremony and has temporarily removed the event from its streaming service, BBC iPlayer, while that version is produced.
Broadcast response and editing decisions
Presenters and members of the live audience reacted immediately as the disturbance unfolded. Hosts and producers attempted to manage the disruption on site. Alan Cumming interrupted his stage remarks several times to explain that Tourette’s syndrome is a disability and that some vocalisations are involuntary. He also offered an apology “if you were offended.”
The disruption reportedly recurred at multiple points in the recording, including during introductory remarks and after other awards were announced. The broadcaster has said it will air an edited version of the ceremony and has temporarily removed the event from its streaming service while that version is produced. Broadcasters did not provide further details about what edits will be made or the timetable for the revised broadcast.
Broadcasters did not provide further details about what edits will be made or the timetable for the revised broadcast.
Removal from streaming and public reaction
The BBC removed the programme from iPlayer and said it will re-upload an edited version with the language excised. The network described the language as strong and offensive and reiterated that it arose from involuntary tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome.
Questions have focused on why the slur remained in the on-air cut despite advance notice of the attendee and his condition. Producers were reportedly informed before the ceremony. A floor manager reportedly welcomed the attendee and alerted presenters that involuntary noises might occur.
Journalists and commentators have asked the BBC and the British Academy why an edit was not completed before transmission. The incident has prompted scrutiny of live-broadcast procedures and editorial safeguards for recorded-but-delayed programmes.
The broadcasters have not indicated when the edited version will be published. Both organisations were approached for comment.
Both organisations were approached for comment. The ceremony remained available on BBC iPlayer for several hours before broadcasters replaced the recording with a placeholder while preparing a censored upload. The removal did not quiet public debate. Social media amplified sympathy for people living with Tourette’s syndrome and frustration from viewers who said the slur should never have reached screens, even inadvertently.
Reactions from the film community
Industry figures offered a range of responses. Some called for greater awareness and sensitivity toward neurological conditions. Others said the episode revealed a failure to safeguard the dignity of those targeted by the language.
Production designer Hannah Beachler described the incident as “almost impossible” and criticised what she called a perfunctory apology for offending viewers. Several attendees urged organisations across film and television to review editorial and on-stage controls.
Several attendees urged organisations across film and television to review editorial and on-stage controls. Shortly afterwards, Robert Aramayo, who won a key acting award for his role in I Swear, used his platform to stress the need for greater support for people with Tourette’s syndrome. Accepting the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award, he praised John Davidson’s openness and urged audiences to learn more about the condition and the realities many people face.
Broader implications and next steps
Industry figures said the incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of live broadcasting procedures and content moderation. Producers and broadcasters face pressure to clarify protocols for live events and to ensure staff receive appropriate guidance.
The British Academy and major broadcasters have been approached for comment. Representatives are expected to review editorial practices and consider further training for on-stage hosts and production teams.
Advocacy groups called on arts organisations to increase public awareness and to consult experts when developing event policies. They said such steps could help balance openness with safeguards for participants and audiences.
Debate over live broadcasting and duty of care
Industry figures and disability advocates called for clearer protocols on live and pre-recorded broadcasts. They said such steps could help balance openness with safeguards for participants and audiences.
Producers were urged to define when to allow spontaneous access on stage and when to use delays or pre-recording. Broadcasters were advised to strengthen editorial controls to prevent harmful language reaching the public airwaves while preserving unscripted moments that matter to viewers.
Legal and ethical questions followed. Organisers face duty-of-care responsibilities to presenters, staff and minority attendees. That includes anticipating medical conditions that can cause disruptive behaviour and arranging appropriate on-site support.
The episode also highlighted cultural differences in public reaction. Some commentators in the United Kingdom emphasised understanding of Tourette’s syndrome as a neurological condition. Commentators in the United States tended to show less tolerance for the slur heard on air, prompting debate over standards for televised language.
Advocates recommended joint reviews by broadcasters, organisers and disability groups to produce consistent guidance. They said clearer rules, staff training and on-site medical support could reduce incidents without excluding people with medical conditions from events.
Broadcasters and organisers to review protocols
As the BBC prepares an edited broadcast, industry groups and disability advocates are urging clearer guidelines and better pre-event planning. They said such measures could help prevent similar incidents in future.
Advocates recommended clearer rules, staff training and on-site medical support to reduce risks without excluding people with medical conditions. Organisers were asked to improve transparency about attendees’ needs and to adopt stronger technical safeguards to protect audiences from offensive content.
The controversy is likely to influence how awards ceremonies balance openness with duty of care. Broadcasters and producers are expected to review protocols and contingency plans for live and recorded segments to reduce the chance of repeat incidents.