Jamie Foxx Condemns Racial Slur Incident at BAFTAs
During the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) on February 22, 2026, a significant controversy arose when John Davidson, a Scottish advocate for Tourette syndrome, involuntarily shouted a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Davidson, whose life inspired the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, later expressed deep regret, clarifying that his outburst was an involuntary tic associated with his condition and not reflective of his personal beliefs. (apnews.com)
The incident prompted immediate reactions from the event's host, Alan Cumming, who explained to the audience that Tourette syndrome is a disability characterized by involuntary tics, including vocal outbursts. He apologized for any offense caused, emphasizing that such expressions are beyond the individual's control. (theguardian.com)
Despite these explanations, actor Jamie Foxx publicly criticized the incident. Commenting on social media, Foxx described the outburst as "unacceptable" and expressed skepticism about the involuntary nature of the slur, stating, "Nah, he meant that s**t." (tmz.com)
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), which aired the ceremony, faced backlash for not editing out the offensive language from its delayed broadcast. The BBC subsequently issued an apology and removed the unedited version from its iPlayer platform, promising to upload an edited version. (theguardian.com)
This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette syndrome and the importance of understanding the condition. It also highlights the need for sensitivity and appropriate handling of such situations in public events to prevent misunderstandings and ensure respect for all attendees.