[UPDATE] BBC Apologizes For Failing To Censor N-Word Shouted At Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo At BAFTAs By Attendee w/ Tourette’s Syndrome

Delroy Lindo, Michael B Jordan

[UPDATE] BBC Apologizes For Failing To Censor N-Word Shouted At Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo At BAFTAs By Attendee w/ Tourette’s Syndrome

 

Update #2: The BBC has issued an apology. A spokesperson for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) addressed the controversy following Sinners stars #MichaelBJordan and #DelroyLindo being called the n-word while presenting an award Sunday at the BAFTAs. “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards.

This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional,” they said. The statement continued, “We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

The ceremony reportedly aired about two hours after it took place. While the slur was not removed, the #BBC did edit out winner #AkinolaDaviesJr’s “free Palestine” remark from his speech. John Davidson, who has been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome and was the one to shout the n-word, attended the ceremony as the subject of the nominated biopic I Swear. At the time of this post, Davidson or his team has not publicly addressed the incident.

#TJBCrew, are we here for this apology, or is it not enough?

Original Story: Delroy Lindo is opening up about what transpired at the British Academy Film Awards.

Speaking to Variety at an afterparty following Sunday night’s ceremony, Lindo addressed the tense moment that unfolded while he and his #Sinners co-star Michael B. Jordan were presenting an award. As previously reported, the pair had the n-word shouted at them while onstage. After a brief pause, they continued with their presentation, refusing to let the disruption derail the moment. “We did what we had to do,” Lindo said, later adding that he wished “someone from #BAFTA spoke to us afterwards.”

As the clip began circulating online, it was revealed that the slur came from John Davidson, who has been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. Davidson attended the ceremony as the subject of the nominated biopic I Swear. According to reports, guests seated at his table were made aware of his condition in advance; however, nominees and other attendees were not informed by BAFTA or the BBC ahead of the show. Variety also reports that multiple outbursts from Davidson were audible throughout the evening, including “shut the f*ck up” during an introductory speech by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and “f*ck you” as the directors of Boong accepted the award for best children’s and family film. Davidson has not publicly addressed the incident.

Authored by: Twila-Amoure McDaniel