Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo encountered an unexpected disruption while appearing onstage at the BAFTAs. The Sinners stars were presenting one of the night’s awards when an incident from the audience briefly halted the ceremony and prompted a response from organizers.
Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo face N-word outburst at BAFTAs
An audience member shouted a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo as they presented at the 79th British Academy Film Awards in London (via NBC News). The actors, stars of Sinners, took the stage to present the award for Best Visual Effects when a person yelled the n-word from the audience. Video from the ceremony shows both men pause briefly before continuing with their presentation.
The BBC prerecorded the ceremony instead of broadcasting it live. In the United States, E! aired a version that did not appear to bleep the slur. Representatives for the BAFTAs, Jordan and Lindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to Variety, additional disruptions occurred during the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Someone reportedly shouted “shut the f— up” during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “f— you” as the Best Children’s & Family Film award was accepted. The publication identified the individual as Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who was present in connection with the nominated film I Swear.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologies for any offence caused by the language heard.” The BBC did not respond to a follow-up request about who yelled the slur.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the incident during the ceremony, stating: “Tourette’s Syndrome is a disability and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette’s Syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
John Davidson reportedly left the ceremony halfway through on his own accord.
