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BAFTA Judge Quits Over Racial Slur Handling
24 Feb
Summary
- A BAFTA judge resigned over the handling of a racial slur incident.
- John Davidson, with Tourette's, shouted slurs during the ceremony.
- BAFTA apologized, citing involuntary tics and promising inclusion.
Jonte Richardson has resigned from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel, condemning the organization's handling of a racial slur incident that occurred during the recent awards ceremony. The controversy arose when Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, whose condition causes involuntary verbal tics, shouted offensive language, including a racial slur, during the broadcast.
Richardson expressed that he cannot participate in an organization that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests and the wider creative community. He highlighted BAFTA's history of systemic racism and its insufficient apology to the Black and disabled communities affected by the incident.
Host Alan Cumming and BAFTA itself issued apologies, with the latter explaining that Tourette Syndrome can cause uncontrollable swearing and that measures were taken to inform attendees. However, the BBC also apologized for not editing the slur out of the broadcast. Actors Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce voiced strong disapproval, emphasizing that the reason for the slur does not excuse its impact.
