The BBC has apologised after a racial slur was shouted at Michael B. Jordan during the BAFTAs last night (February 22) by a Tourette’s campaigner.
The annual British awards ceremony was hosted by actor Alan Cumming at London’s Royal Festival Hall, where hundreds of stars gathered to celebrate the year in film.
The first BAFTAs was held in 1949 at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London.
But it has since evolved into an evening of glitz and grandeur, with famous faces such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Michael B. Jordan, and many others in attendance.
Best and worst dressed
As with all star-studded red carpets, users online love to give their two cents about who looked (or didn’t look) the best.
And while some stars such as Aimee Lou Wood and Emma Stone brought their A-game to the event, with many online praising their look of choice, other attempts at red carpet glamour apparently fell somewhat flat.
Adolescence star Erin Doherty, 33, seemingly caught the eye for the wrong reasons, donning a dramatic navy gown as she posed on the carpet.
One things for sure, the puffy pleated skirt would no doubt cause some issue when attempting to sit down.
Love Island-turned-Traitors USA star Maura Higgins sent heads turning in an eye-catching red dress.
While grime artist Stormzy was all smiles in his tuxedo, as the cameras worked their magic.
Emma Stone stunned in a simple but effective navy gown, while others were less than impressed with Teyana Taylor’s look, as one compared her to ‘being consumed by some Venus flytrap.’
Who were the 2026 BAFTA winners?
It was a big night for One Battle After Another, which took home the coveted Best Film prize.
The competition was fierce – with Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value and Sinners all in the running – but it was Paul Thomas Anderson’s drama that ultimately claimed the top honour.
There was celebration, too, for Hamnet, which was named Outstanding British Film.
In the acting categories, Jessie Buckley was crowned Leading Actress for her performance in Hamnet, seeing off competition from the likes of Emma Stone and Kate Hudson.
Meanwhile, Robert Aramayo landed Leading Actor for I Swear, a film about Tourette’s, triumphing over nominees including Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
What happened?
Last night’s ceremony saw Alan Cummings pause his hosting to issue a clarification, after a racial slur was shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects.
Actor and Tourette’s activist, John Davidson, could be heard shouting ‘shut the f**k up’ and ‘f**k you,’ as well as an outburst of the N-word, which has since been picked up online.
The 54-year-old is the inspiration for new film I Swear, which depicts a young man who suffers from the life-changing disorder.
In real life, he was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at 25, with symptoms including uncontrollable tics and outbursts.
His tics could no longer be heard during the second half of the ceremony, as its understood the campaigner left of his own accord, and was not asked to leave by the event.
Cumming gave an explanation for the offensive language during the ceremony, as well as for those watching at home.
He said: “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.
“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
In a statement, he later added: “Tourette 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 apologise if you are offended tonight.”
Aramayo, who depicts the character of Davidson in the BAFTA-winning film, applauded the activist during his acceptance speech.
He said: “John Davidson is the most remarkable man I ever met.
“He’s so forthcoming with education and he believes there should be still so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s.”
BBC speaks out
A spokesperson from the BBC later added: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026.
“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”
What is Coprolalia?
Coprolalia is the medical term used to describe one of the most socially stigmatizing symptoms of Tourette Syndrome – that being the involuntary outbursts of obscene words, and socially inappropriate or derogatory remarks.
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The Tourette Association Of America states: “The words that may be expressed in coprolalia are often distressing to an individual, and not indicative of their personal convictions (such as in the context of racial slurs).
“In many individuals, coprolalia is not able to be controlled.”
Online reaction
There has been a mixed response to the offensive language heard at the event, with many unaware of how Coprolalia is uncontrollable, and not indicative of a person’s beliefs.
American actor Jamie Foxx was among those who called out the language, as he wrote on Instagram: “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that?
“Nah he meant that sh**.”
“How many other times did he say it during the show,” another user wrote.
A third added: “Unacceptable.”
Saying offensive and inappropriate things (Coprolalia) is a symptom that affects 1 in 10 people with Tourette syndrome.
It’s an involuntary, and very complex, vocal tic caused by ‘faulty wiring’ in the brain, creating an unbearable, uncontrollable urge to shout obscenities.
It’s important to stress that it is not a reflection of thoughts or intent.
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