BAFTA Awards Incident Sparks Complex Feelings for Black People with Tourette Syndrome

The racial slur uttered during the awards show has raised issues of accountability, empathy, and the need for more support for this community.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:07am

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The recent incident at the British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, where a nominee with Tourette syndrome inadvertently yelled a racial slur while presenting, has left Black people living with the disorder grappling with complicated emotions. While the outburst was unintentional due to the nature of Tourette's, it still caused significant harm and pain to the Black community. This has sparked discussions around the need for greater understanding, accountability, and support networks for Black individuals with Tourette syndrome.

Why it matters

The BAFTA incident has highlighted the complex intersection of race and disability, bringing to the forefront the struggles faced by Black people with Tourette syndrome. It has raised awareness about the disorder, the prevalence of coprolalia (the involuntary utterance of obscene words), and the need for more inclusive support systems. This case also underscores the importance of empathy, accountability, and proactive measures to prevent such incidents from causing further harm.

The details

During the BAFTA Awards ceremony, John Davidson, a nominee with Tourette syndrome, inadvertently yelled a racial slur as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. This sparked immediate outrage, as the slur was aired uncensored by the BBC, which was broadcasting the event. The incident has led to criticism of the BAFTA and BBC's handling of the situation, with many arguing that the organizations failed to provide adequate support and understanding. Advocacy groups are now using this moment to push for the creation of more support networks and resources specifically tailored for Black individuals living with Tourette syndrome.

  • The BAFTA Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, February 26, 2026.
  • The racial slur was uttered during the live broadcast of the awards show.

The players

John Davidson

A BAFTA nominee who has Tourette syndrome and inadvertently yelled a racial slur during the awards ceremony.

Michael B. Jordan

An actor who was presenting an award at the BAFTA ceremony when the racial slur was uttered.

Delroy Lindo

An actor who was presenting an award at the BAFTA ceremony when the racial slur was uttered.

Chloe Winston

A 24-year-old with Tourette syndrome who experiences coprolalia, the same verbal tic as John Davidson.

Jhónelle Bean

An American Sign Language interpreter who is Black and has Tourette syndrome, and who spoke out about the complexity of the situation.

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What they’re saying

“It's been pretty difficult because I feel like there's such a clash between both sides. A tic is not intentional, but it still causes harm. And I think that does require accountability.”

— Chloe Winston

“Two things can be true at the same time. Just because he ticced that does not mean it was intentional. But then also that still caused hurt or harm for people that heard it, which again is why I'm mad at the BAFTAs and the BBC for keeping it in the broadcast in the first place because they had the power to take it out.”

— Jhónelle Bean, American Sign Language interpreter

“For me, it was all about making sure we're practicing care. And I don't think that happened for the two actors that were there or the Black folks who were there or people who didn't want to hear the word.”

— Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate

What’s next

Advocacy groups are using the BAFTA incident to push for the creation of more support networks and resources specifically tailored for Black individuals living with Tourette syndrome. They hope to provide a sense of community and understanding for this underserved population.

The takeaway

The BAFTA awards incident has highlighted the complex intersection of race and disability, underscoring the need for greater empathy, accountability, and support systems for Black people with Tourette syndrome. This case has the potential to drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive environment for those living with this disorder.