Bafta Host Cumming Quits After Racist Slur Outburst

Host Alan Cumming has declared he will not return to host the Bafta film awards following an incident where Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson shouted offensive slurs. Cumming characterized the organizers as "bad people" who were unprepared and let attendees down, describing the event as a "shitshow."

Davidson, present for his biographical film, twice uttered the N-word and directed a slur at Cumming. While the BBC's broadcast of the ceremony was later removed from iPlayer, both the BBC and Bafta issued apologies. Cumming mentioned that neither he nor the audience were adequately warned about potential slurs.

He expressed that Bafta might have had prior knowledge, noting Davidson had used the N-word at a party the preceding day. Davidson later explained his actions were involuntary tics due to Tourette syndrome, unrelated to his beliefs, and expressed deep distress over the impact. Cumming added that the experience was a "tough gig."