Tourette's Slur Echoes: BAFTA Apology Under Scrutiny

The NAACP Image Awards saw Delroy Lindo and Ryan Coogler receive a standing ovation on Saturday at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. This gesture of support came in the wake of an incident at the BAFTA Awards the previous week. During the BAFTAs, John Davidson, a Tourette's activist, involuntarily shouted a racial slur while Lindo and "Sinners" costar Michael B. Jordan were presenting an award.

Lindo acknowledged the outpouring of support, stating, "It means a lot to us. It's an honor to be here this evening." This was the second standing ovation for Lindo that night. Earlier, Regina Hall lauded Jordan and Lindo, referring to them as "two kings." Host Deon Cole also addressed the incident during his opening monologue, making a pointed remark about awareness of one's surroundings.

Following the slur, BAFTA and the BBC issued apologies. BAFTA has promised a "comprehensive review" of the incident, which was not edited out of their broadcast. "Sinners" production designer Hannah Beachler shared her distress on X, noting the slur was directed at her and another Black woman, and criticized the "throw away apology" offered.

Lindo also conveyed to Vanity Fair that while he and Jordan handled the BAFTA presentation appropriately, he wished BAFTA representatives had spoken with them directly afterward.