Delroy Lindo Speaks Out on BAFTAs Racial Slur Incident

The 'Malcolm X' and 'Sinners' actor sent a clear message at the NAACP Image Awards.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Delroy Lindo publicly thanked the community for their support following the BAFTAs incident where Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur. Lindo, alongside Ryan Coogler, addressed the incident at the NAACP Image Awards, expressing gratitude for the positive response and solidarity shown by attendees and supporters. The BAFTAs, host Alan Cumming, the BBC, and John Davidson all issued apologies for the incident, acknowledging the distress caused and commending Lindo and Michael B. Jordan for their professionalism.

Why it matters

The incident at the BAFTAs highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with Tourette's syndrome and the need for greater understanding and sensitivity in public events. Lindo's response at the NAACP Image Awards showcased his leadership in addressing the situation with grace and emphasizing the importance of community support.

The details

During the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur when Delroy Lindo and his Sinners costar Michael B. Jordan were on stage. At the 2026 NAACP Image Awards on February 28, Lindo and director Ryan Coogler addressed the incident, with Lindo expressing gratitude for the positive response and solidarity shown by attendees and supporters. The BAFTAs, host Alan Cumming, the BBC, and John Davidson all issued apologies for the incident, acknowledging the distress caused and commending Lindo and Jordan for their professionalism.

  • The BAFTAs incident occurred on February 22, 2026.
  • Lindo and Coogler addressed the incident at the NAACP Image Awards on February 28, 2026.

The players

Delroy Lindo

A 73-year-old American actor known for his roles in films such as Malcolm X and Sinners.

Ryan Coogler

A 39-year-old American film director, producer, and screenwriter, best known for directing the Marvel film Black Panther.

John Davidson

A Tourette syndrome advocate who involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.

Alan Cumming

The host of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.

Michael B. Jordan

An American actor who co-starred with Delroy Lindo in the film Sinners.

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What they’re saying

“I'd just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us.”

— Delroy Lindo (TikTok)

“It is an honor to be here amongst our people this evening, among so many people who have shown us such incredible support. It's a classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive. Thank you so much for the support.”

— Delroy Lindo (TikTok)

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette's syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

— Alan Cumming, BAFTAs Host (BAFTAs)

The takeaway

The incident at the BAFTAs highlighted the need for greater understanding and sensitivity towards individuals with Tourette's syndrome, and Lindo's response at the NAACP Image Awards demonstrated the power of community support in addressing challenging situations with grace and professionalism.