BAFTA Judge Resigns Following “utterly unforgivable” Broadcast Controversy

Why the BBC’s failure to edit the BAFTA slur highlights a need for better education and production protocols.

BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson has announced his resignation following Sunday evening's controversial events during the awards ceremony. In a sharp critique of the incident, Richardson described the events during Sunday night’s awards ceremony as "utterly unforgivable." 

Michael B Jordan & Delroy Lindo at the BAFTAs 2026

The Incident 

The controversy arose during the presentation of an award by actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. During their time on stage, Tourette's syndrome campaigner John Davidson vocalised a racist slur. While both actors appeared visibly shaken by the outburst, they remained professional and continued with the presentation. 

John Davidson is a prominent Tourette syndrome activist whose life story was adapted into an inspirational film, I SWEAR, highlighting the hardships associated with the condition. Following the ceremony, Davidson expressed his distress over the event: “I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.”

Questions of Editorial Oversight 

John Davidson at the BAFTAS 2026

Davidson has worked alongside the BBC on multiple occasions. He suggested that the broadcaster should have been better prepared for the nature of his condition to prevent such tics from being broadcast.  Davidson remembered “there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated.” 

Davidson continued, “I want people to know and understand that my tics have absolutely nothing to do with what I think, feel or believe. It's an involuntary neurological misfire. My tics are not an intention, not a choice and not a reflection of my values.”

A Pattern of Scrutiny  

This follows previous criticism of the BBC’s management, when the broadcaster faced backlash over the performance by rapper Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, which contained controversial language, and remained on iPlayer for several hours after the live set. The BAFTA incident has placed the BBC under renewed scrutiny. Despite assurances that the ceremony would be edited to remove profanity before airing, the inclusion of the slur has sparked a heated debate regarding broadcaster accountability and the sensitivity required when filming individuals with involuntary conditions. 

Key Takeaways

Ultimately, accountability for this oversight lies with the BBC. While the broadcaster works diligently to champion diverse and inclusive spaces, more robust measures should have been implemented, not only to prevent the slur from reaching the airwaves but to ensure that both the audience and the presenters were adequately briefed beforehand. For many, encountering the complexities of Tourette syndrome can be a profound shock, particularly when tics involve involuntary vulgar language. While this production failure shouldn't discredit the BBC’s broader commitment to representation, it highlights a clear need for improved protocols. The delay in rectifying the digital broadcast remains a significant concern, yet it also presents a vital opportunity for us all to better educate ourselves on the realities of Tourette syndrome and foster a deeper understanding of the disability.

Written by Angelique Cloete