It was the clip heard around the world after Sunday night’s BAFTA ceremony in London — a man yelling the n-word as two celebrated Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented an award on stage.
The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film “I Swear,” about a man with Tourette syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it.
The actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, went on to win the night’s award for best actor. Davidson said the young English actor studied him closely, asking questions like, “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?” Speaking on the crowded red carpet, Davidson went on: “Certain things — like today, lots of people around, I’m feeling very, you know, more tics in case I lash out. Different situations can trigger different emotions and tics and stuff.”
The audience had been warned before the ceremony that tics or involuntary swearing could occur, and Davidson received large applause inside the hall. After the incident, host Alan Cumming asked for “understanding” for the “strong and offensive language.” He reminded the crowd that Tourette syndrome was a disability and tics were involuntary, and said: “We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Contacted by CNN on Sunday, the BBC, which airs the ceremony with a long delay, reiterated that message. On Monday, a spokesperson apologized that the BBC did not edit the slur “prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”
Lindo, in particular, looked stunned at the outburst, and then moved on with the ceremony, where he and Jordan presented the first award of the evening — for special visual effects to “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Hannah Beachler, the Oscar-nominated production designer on “Sinners,” said in a thread on X that another outburst during the night was directed at her.
“I understand and deeply know why this is an impossible situation,” Beachler wrote. “I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of ‘if you were offended’ at the end of the show.”
“I am not steal (sic), this did not bounce off of me, but I exist above it,” wrote Beachler, who won an Oscar for production design in 2019 for her work on “Black Panther,” becoming the first Black person to do so.
Later Monday, BAFTA also apologized for the incident, noting in a statement the “very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many.” They apologized in particular to Jordan and Lindo and thanked them “for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”
They also thanked Davidson for his “dignity and consideration of others,” noting that he chose to leave the auditorium during the ceremony.
“We will learn from this,” the organization said.
Davidson confirmed his departure in his own statement Monday, saying, “I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
Davidson thanked BAFTA and “everyone involved in the awards last night,” saying the announcements made and applause he received made him feel “welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.”
His tics, he said, were “involuntary and not a reflection of my personal beliefs,” adding that he was and has always been “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”
The question of apologies is raised in “I Swear,” which makes the case that Davidson cannot spend his life apologizing for words and actions he cannot prevent and has no control over. The screenplay draws a comparison to a blind man knocking someone over in a bar: should they be held responsible for their actions and made to apologize? One of the questions now is whether it was right for Cumming to apologize — clumsily, at that — to the room on Davidson’s behalf.
Source: CNN
About the author
Rwanda vs Nigeria: Chelle reignites the Super Eagles’ aspirations for the 2026 World Cup in Kigali.
On Friday, Eric Chelle became the inaugural non-Nigerian African coach to take the helm of the Super Eagles. The Malian coach directed his first match, resulting in a 2-0 win against Rwanda during a qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. Chelle's appointment by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took place on January 7, as he replaced Finidi George and succeeded interim coach Augustine Eguavoen. Since that time, he has dedicated three months to traveling across Nigeria, observing domestic league matches, and engaging with his players based in Europe. However, his initial team selection remained perplexing. Chelle opted for a highly offensive formation in Kigali, which appeared unbalanced on paper. Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon were all included in the attacking lineup, while Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi occupied the midfield positions. "I had mixed feelings. […]
Baba Akande, who killed Chief Bola Ige?
The assassination of Bola Ige on December 23, 2001, remains one of the most painful and unresolved political murders in Nigeria’s democratic history. More than two decades after the shocking event, the question continues to echo across Nigeria’s political landscape: who killed Bola Ige? The mystery has resurfaced repeatedly in national discourse, particularly after remarks attributed to Bisi Akande suggesting that the late Lam Adesina, who was the Governor of Oyo State when the assassination occurred, had privately told him who was responsible for the killing. Yet the identity of the killers has never been publicly revealed, leaving the assassination of one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures unresolved.To understand the magnitude of the crime, one must first understand the stature of the man who was killed. Bola Ige was not merely a politician of the Fourth Republic; he was […]
Alao Akala’s Assets: Court Places Injunction
An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted an interlocutory injunction restraining Mrs Oluwakemi Alao-Akala and other family members who are parties in the ongoing dispute over the estate of the late former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, from selling, disposing of or entering into any form of transaction on the contested properties pending the determination of the substantive suit.The order followed an application filed by the first daughter of the late governor, Oluwatoyin Alao Aderinto, who approached the court as claimant/applicant in Suit No. I/443/2024, seeking judicial intervention over the administration of the estate of the deceased politician.Joined as defendants/respondents in the suit are Oluwakemi Alao-Akala and Olamide Alabi, listed in the court processes as executors and administrators of the estate of the late former governor.Ruling on the motion on notice for an interlocutory […]
British film awards interrupted by racist slur from man with Tourette syndrome
It was the clip heard around the world after Sunday night’s BAFTA ceremony in London — a man yelling the n-word as two celebrated Black actors, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, presented an award on stage.The man was John Davidson, the subject of the British indie film “I Swear,” about a man with Tourette syndrome. Davidson, who has long campaigned for awareness of the condition, told CNN before the ceremony that he was worried about the involuntary tics that mark it.The actor Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson in the film, went on to win the night’s award for best actor. Davidson said the young English actor studied him closely, asking questions like, “When you have a tic do you know where it comes from? What about tic triggers?” Speaking on the crowded red carpet, Davidson went on: “Certain things — like […]
Breaking News: Police Arrest Mirabel Over Alleged False Sexual Assault Claim
Breaking News: Police Arrest Mirabel Over Alleged False Sexual Assault Claim–Lagos ReportersThe Ogun State Police Command has taken popular TikTok personality Mirabel into custody as investigations intensify over claims that she may have fabricated a sexual assault allegation that recently went viral.Confirming the development on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the influencer is currently being held for questioning while authorities verify the authenticity of her initial report.“She is with us now and investigation is ongoing,” Babaseyi stated. When asked whether she could face charges for allegedly making a false report, the police spokesperson declined to draw conclusions, noting that the outcome would depend on findings from the ongoing investigation.“The facts will tell at the conclusion of our investigation,” he added.The case began after Mirabel, known on TikTok as @mirab351, posted a series of emotional videos online alleging that […]
Things you should know as President Tinubu signs the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into Law
As President Tinubu signs the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 into Law, citizens should note the following 7 major changes:1. Voter registration: Documents required for voter registration are narrowed to 3 : a birth certificate, a Nigerian passport and a National Identification Number (NIN).2. Downloadable voter card: Voters can download their voter card from INEC’s website.3. Electronic transmission of results: Electronic transmission to IReV is compulsory.However, if it fails, the physical result sheet (EC8A) becomes the primary source of collation and results declaration.4. Mode of party primary election: The new bill adopts direct primaries and consensus as the only methods for political parties to nominate candidates.5. Disbursement of funds to INEC: Election funds must be released to INEC at least 6 months before the general election. Previously: 12 months.6. Deadline for submission of candidates’ list: Political parties must submit candidates […]
Three brothers. One promised to serve. One became president
Three brothers. One promised to serve. One became president. One walked among the broken.All three were killed before their work was finished. Their legacy refuses to die.With quiet reverence, we remember John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.—three brothers bound not only by blood, but by an uncommon sense of duty to something greater than themselves.Their lives were marked by triumph and tragedy, by hope and violence. Yet what defines them isn't how they died, but how bravely and compassionately they lived—and how much they sacrificed believing America could be better than it was.Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was the eldest—handsome, brilliant, charismatic. The one their father groomed for greatness, the one expected to become president someday.He carried ambition not as ego but as responsibility. A Harvard graduate, a law student, he seemed destined for politics. But […]
Related
SAUDI ARABIA @ 96: NIGERIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRONGER BILATERAL RELATIONS – INFORMATION MINISTER
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are deepening their relationship beyond traditional ties, with greater cooperation in agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade. Idris stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception to mark the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Today, our relationship is also taking on a broader economic and strategic dimension. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, investment, aviation, financial technology and trade. These are areas that can create practical benefits for both countries and strengthen our economic ties,” he said. The Minister said the longstanding relationship between both countries was built on history, faith, people-to-people connections and shared interests, noting that Nigerians have travelled to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage, education, business […]
UNGA: Trump pledges ‘unmatched military might’ against drug cartels
President Trump Presented The Mexican Border Defense Medal At The White House WASHINGTON, DC. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to reporters after a ceremony for the presentation of the Mexican Border Defense Medal in the Oval Office of the White House on December 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, Trump recognized the first 13 service members to receive the recently established Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM), which recognizes service members supporting Customs and Border Protection on the U.S.-Mexico border. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Anna Moneymaker / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to reassert US dominance in the Western Hemisphere and to use “unmatched military might” against threats in the region as he gathered allies behind an expanding campaign against drug cartels. Speaking to world leaders at the […]
PRESIDENT TRUMP LAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S DECISIVE LEADERSHIP AGAINST TERRORISTS
US President Donald Trump has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership In a letter to President Tinubu, President Trump applauded Tinubu’s resolve to tackle the issues plaguing Nigeria, especially the violence affecting Christian communities. According to Trump: “It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.” The US-Nigeria relationship flourished in recent times, with the two sides working closely in key areas, especially in tackling security challenges afflicting parts of Nigeria. In November last year, President Trump and President Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-headed by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States. Through the work of the working group, the two sides agreed on several steps, including training, intelligence sharing, and joint […]
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win 2026 World Cup
Spain are the world champions for a second time after deservedly defeating an Argentina team who mustered two shots, both in the closing minutes. Ferran Torres scored the only goal early in the second half of extra time after it appeared Argentina might force penalties despite having Enzo Fernández sent off shortly before the end of regulation time. The game was one-way traffic and the breakthrough came when two substitutes combined from a Pedro Porro cross. Nico Williams headed the ball back at the far post and Torres provided an unerring finish to beat Emiliano Martínez. Fernández had been sent off for a second booking after fouling Pau Cubarsí and an already defensive Argentina were unable to hold out. Spain dominated without having the requisite cutting edge until Torres struck. Martínez made two impressive saves either side of the end […]
Xenophobia and the suspected South African drug trafficker arrest
What goes round comes round. Hence the wise saying that every time you point your index finger in accusation of someone, bear in mind that no fewer than three of your remaining fingers are simultaneously pointing back at you. That was a lesson South Africans did not appear willing to apply, but which has now rebounded on them to unavoidably confront and ultimately respond to. In the thick of the xenophobic violence that forced many Nigerian immigrants to flee the country recently, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, profiled the harried migrants as illicit drug dealers and fomenters of crime whose exit from her native land was a welcome development. She served a cheeky challenge on Nigerian authorities to provide information on locations allegedly used by Nigerian immigrants for drug-related activities, to assist her country’s law enforcement operatives […]
India Arrests Three Nigerians Over Alleged Drug Trafficking Network
Indian authorities have arrested three Nigerian nationals over their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking network operating in parts of the country. According to reports, the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out by law enforcement agencies following intelligence gathering and surveillance. Authorities alleged that the operation led to the recovery of suspected illicit substances and other items believed to be connected to the network. Investigators said the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organized drug trafficking groups and curb the distribution of illegal narcotics. The suspects are expected to face charges under India’s anti-narcotics laws as investigations continue. Law enforcement officials disclosed that additional inquiries are underway to determine the full extent of the alleged network and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the operation. The authorities emphasized that the suspects remain […]
Be the first to leave a comment