Jamie Foxx Among High-Profile Voices Criticising BAFTAs N-word Outburst as Organisers Apologise
The awards fallout intensified after jamie foxx and others publicly condemned an attendee’s use of a racial slur at the BAFTAs, where the remark was captured on the ceremony telecast. Organisers and a broadcaster issued apologies to the presenters who were targeted; the episode has prompted sharp criticism of the ceremony’s handling and follow-up.
Jamie Foxx joins growing backlash over onstage outburst
Jamie Foxx was among public figures expressing dismay after John Davidson shouted the N-word while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were presenting onstage. Foxx commented on social media beneath a post about the incident, writing "Unacceptable" and adding "Nah he meant that shit. " Wendell Pierce also called the response insufficient, saying: "It's infuriating that the first reaction wasn't complete and full throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn't matter the reasoning for the racist slur. " Journalist Jemele Hill framed the moment as emblematic of a larger expectation that Black people absorb disrespect so others won't feel bad.
What happened onstage and how the slur reached viewers
The incident unfolded during the 79th annual awards show on Feb. 22, when the "Sinners" stars were presenting. One account notes the presenters were onstage for the best visual effects award; other coverage describes them presenting the evening's first prize. John Davidson shouted several times during the ceremony, including using the N-word, and while the broadcast ran on a two-hour tape delay the slur was nonetheless included in the telecast.
Organisers, host announcements and apologies after the outburst
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming made two announcements during the ceremony addressing the disruption, stating: "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 are offended tonight. " The BAFTAs later issued a formal statement on Feb. 23 that said they "apologize unreservedly" to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo and that they take "full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation. "
Broadcaster and production reactions, and allegations of a weak apology
A broadcaster spokesperson apologised for Davidson's shouts, stating: "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. " Producers working on the broadcast said they "didn't hear" the N-word slur because they were "working in a truck. " Sinners' production designer Hannah Beachler said she had a racial slur directed at her as well and criticised what she called the "throwaway" apology at the end of the show. Delroy Lindo told an after-party interviewer that he wished "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards. "
John Davidson, "I Swear" and Tourette syndrome context
John Davidson is the inspiration behind the BAFTAs-nominated film "I Swear, " a biopic that follows the story of his Tourette syndrome diagnosis. Davidson said he was "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. " He added that he has "spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette's community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so. " Davidson also said he chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as he was aware of the distress his tics were causing. Tourette syndrome is described as a motor control disorder characterised by muscular and vocal tics, and some 10–20% of people with the condition are affected by loud, involuntary swearing known as coprolalia.
Wider coverage notes and unrelated items appearing alongside the story
Coverage around the awards included a range of other items: a note that Hollywood heads across the pond for the British Academy Film Awards this weekend; a remark that Pete Crow-Armstrong engaged in the time-honored tradition of taking shots at Southern California sports fans; and an observation that Darryn Peterson, after several notable struggles, seemed totally fine on Monday night. A consumer test examined magnesium capsules, powders and gummies to evaluate magnesium for sleep. Separately, Floyd Mayweather, 49, is stepping back into the ring to rematch Manny Pacquiao, a decision described as raising uncomfortable questions about one of boxing's few legends to escape unscathed. Other editorial lines included that rankings evaluate all players in an organization entering their age-26 seasons or younger; that the two sides remain far apart on fundamental issues though Napheesa Collier said last week "negotiations are trending in the right direction"; guidance on how and when to watch Tuesday's annual presidential address to Congress; and that Kevin O'Connor is joined by John Fanta to chat Eastern Conference Contenders, USA Hockey and this year's loaded draft class.
Details remain sensitive and reactions are ongoing. Recent updates indicate public criticism and internal explanations have followed, and some participants and viewers continue to call for clearer accountability and engagement with those directly affected.
