BBC’s broadcast of BAFTA’s Inclusion of racism and exclusion of peace sets yet another negative stain on acceptance between people
BY: CARRINGTON C. DAVIS
Staff
The 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BATFA) has come under recent fire for its televised run that cut the outcry of “Free Palestine” while maintaining the act of John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome, shouting the N-word at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. Frankly I am livid about the aftermath of this.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” said Alan Cumming, host of the BATFA’s from the stage. “Thanks for your understanding and for helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
While this response taken on its own is a well constructed apology, it seems to be only to the audience. No personal apology was given to the two actors directly targeted by the hate speech. The internet has taken sides rather than looking at the issue as a whole.
While there are some people who understand that Tourette syndrome is an involuntary response and what was said can still be offensive, others have taken it as a way to denounce not only the actors involved but black people’s feelings on slurs and slurs used against them.
“What happened at the BAFTA’s will forever be a stain on the legacy, not because John Davidson chose to say some horrible thing, but because the BBC chose to leave it in,” said TikToker THR.
This describes my exact feelings on this situation. I want to make it known that all people deserve to be in spaces, especially when it’s their work being nominated, but if there’s a chance something offensive can happen, people need to be informed.
If an offense does happen, apologies need to be made. Black people shouldn’t have to hold their tongues and ignore the negative feelings they have, just like every person with Tourette syndrome should be allowed to exist freely in a space while having their ticks.
The BAFTA’s in this moment chose to humiliate both parties, while silencing something powerful like the push to free Palestine from war.
That action should speak volumes.
