BBC apologises for ‘strong and offensive language’ heard at BAFTAs, after racial slur yelled during ceremony | Ents & Arts News

The BBC has apologised after a racial slur was shouted during the BAFTAs while two black actors were on stage.

A clip emerged online of an audience member yelling an offensive word as Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo, stars of vampire horror Sinners, presented the first award of the evening on Sunday night.

Both men appeared to pause after the insult was heard, then continued their presentation.

US entertainment outlet Variety reported other incidents throughout the ceremony, including an individual shouting “shut the f*** up” at BAFTA chair Sara Putt and someone saying “f*** you” as the award for best children’s and family film was being accepted.

The BBC attributed the outbursts to an attendee with Tourette syndrome.

A spokesperson said: “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.”

According to the NHS, Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes you to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements – called tics.

There is no cure for the condition, but it can be managed through treatment. Tics can be triggered by stress, excitement or tiredness.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention adds that only around one in 10 people with the condition suffer from coprolalia, where a tic is the excessive or uncontrollable use of inappropriate language.

Host Alan Cumming also acknowledged the “strong and offensive language” that was yelled during the ceremony.

He told the audience: “If you have seen the film ‘I Swear’, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language.

“We apologise if you were offended.”

Read more on the BAFTAs:
The full list of winners
Awards as it happened

It comes after British newcomer Robert Aramayo won best actor at the BAFTA, beating Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, with his performance in I Swear.

The film tells the real-life story of Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson.