Controversy Erupts After Man with Tourette Syndrome Shouts N-Word at Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo During BAFTAs

Controversy erupted online on Sunday after a man with Tourette’s syndrome shouted the N-word while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented their film at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).

Scottish campaigner John Davidson, a prominent face of Tourette syndrome in the UK since the late 1980s, inspired the recently acclaimed film. I swearwhich received five BAFTA nominations, ultimately winning Best Leading Actor (Robert Aramayo) and Best Casting. Throughout the night, Davidson, who was in attendance, could be heard shouting various obscenities, including “shut up” and “fuck you,” but it was when actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo performed that things became extremely uncomfortable, according to Variety:

A number of outbursts could be heard throughout the BAFTA ceremony, including cries of “Shut up” during an introductory speech from BAFTA president Sara Putt, and “fuck you” when the makers of “Boong,” which won the BAFTA for best children’s and family film, accepted their award. In another outburst, the audience inside the BAFTAs heard Davidson shout the n-word as Michael B, Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for best visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”

The moment prompted host Alan Cumming to issue a disclaimer.

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This may be part of how Tourette syndrome appears in some people as the film explores this experience,” Cumming told the audience. “Thank you for your understanding and helping to create a respectful space for everyone.”

Cumming later issued an apology to the audience, explaining the involuntary nature of Tourette syndrome.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning the person with Tourette syndrome has no control over their speech. We apologize if you are offended tonight,” he said.