BAFTA Controversy Highlights Complexities of Disability and Racism

A Black disability advocate explains why the incident involving John Davidson's Tourette's tics is not so simple.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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An incident at the BAFTAs this past weekend, where John Davidson, an advocate for Tourette syndrome awareness, said a racial slur while two Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, were onstage, has sparked heated online debates about disabilities and racism. The BBC and BAFTA have apologized, but the handling of the situation has raised concerns about the lack of nuance in the discussions and the need for greater understanding of the complexities of Tourette's syndrome.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the intersectionality of disability and race, and the need for more inclusive and compassionate approaches when such incidents occur. It also raises questions about media responsibility and the impact of how these situations are handled on both the disability and Black communities.

The details

During the BAFTA ceremony, Davidson, the subject of the biographical film "I Swear," which won several awards that night, said a racial slur while Jordan and Lindo were presenting an award. The moment was not edited out of the broadcast, despite the BBC taping the show on a two-hour delay. The BBC and BAFTA have since apologized, but Davidson's statement did not include an explicit apology. Conversations online have devolved into vitriolic ableism and racism, with some arguing that Davidson's tics were intentional and others defending him, saying his disability means he has no control over his tics.

  • The incident occurred during the BAFTA ceremony on Sunday, February 19, 2026.
  • The BBC broadcast the ceremony on a two-hour delay, and the unedited moment was left in the version that aired and was later made available on BBC's iPlayer.

The players

John Davidson

An advocate for Tourette syndrome awareness and the real-life subject of the biographical film "I Swear," which won several awards at the BAFTAs.

Michael B. Jordan

A Black actor who was onstage presenting an award when Davidson's tic occurred.

Delroy Lindo

A Black actor who was onstage presenting an award when Davidson's tic occurred.

Alan Cumming

The host of the BAFTA ceremony, who issued an apology to the audience after Davidson's tic.

Jhónelle Bean

A Black woman with Tourette syndrome and a disability advocate, who was interviewed for this story.

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What they’re saying

“I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”

— John Davidson (Slate)

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the need for greater understanding and nuance when it comes to the intersection of disability and race. While the incident was undoubtedly hurtful to the Black actors involved, the complexities of Tourette's syndrome, including the involuntary nature of tics, must also be considered. Moving forward, there is a need for more inclusive and compassionate approaches to such situations, as well as a responsibility for media outlets to handle them with care and sensitivity.