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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the BBC have issued apologies following an unexpected incident during the British Academy Film Awards, where an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur.
The offensive remark was audible during the presentation of the best visual effects award by “Sinners” actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo at the event on Sunday.
Prior to the incident, event host Alan Cumming had introduced John Davidson, a guest at the ceremony. Davidson, a Scottish advocate for individuals with Tourette syndrome, was the inspiration behind the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.”
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that leads to involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations, which can sometimes include the utterance of inappropriate words.
Following the disruption, Cumming addressed the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall, expressing regret for the “strong and offensive language” that had been heard.
“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We apologize if you were offended.”
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts referred to Cumming’s statement when asked for comment on Monday.
The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologized Monday, though the offensive word could still be heard on the broadcaster’s streaming site.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional,” it said in a statement. “We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard.”
“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.
Ed Palmer, vice chairman of the charity Tourettes Action, said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur.
“This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offense to someone,” he told Times Radio. “So, if it’s being prerecorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.”