Bafta Judge Steps Down Following Controversial Racial Slur Incident at Awards Ceremony
A prominent Bafta judge has announced his resignation in response to what he describes as the "utterly unforgivable" handling of a racial slur incident during Sunday's Bafta Film Awards ceremony. Jonte Richardson, an award-winning writer, director, and producer, has withdrawn from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel following the controversial events that unfolded during the broadcast.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
During Sunday night's ceremony, John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner whose condition involves involuntary verbal tics including swearing, could be heard shouting from his seat throughout the event. Davidson was in attendance because the film "I Swear" – which won Robert Aramayo the best actor award – is based on his life.
At various points during the ceremony, Davidson shouted "shut the f**k up" during a speech from Bafta chair Sara Putt, yelled "f**k you" when Arco's directors took to the stage, and reportedly shouted the N-word multiple times, including at actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan while they were presenting an award.
Tourette's syndrome, as explained by the NHS, is a neurological condition that causes people to make sudden, repetitive sounds or movements known as tics, which are involuntary and not intentional.
Broadcast Controversy and Response
Following the incident, the BBC removed the entire awards ceremony broadcast from iPlayer after facing significant backlash for not editing out the offensive language. This decision came despite the broadcaster having removed a director's plea to "Free Palestine" from another part of the broadcast.
A BBC spokesperson stated: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony, it was not intentional. We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
Judge's Resignation and Statement
Richardson, who has worked extensively in film and music across both the US and UK, announced his decision to quit as a Bafta judge on LinkedIn. He wrote: "After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel. The organisation's handling of the unfortunate Tourette's N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable."
He continued: "I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy, and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members, and the Black creative community. This is particularly unfortunate given that this year's cohort boasts some incredible Black talent."
Richardson specifically mentioned the show "Just Act Normal" as one of his favorite programs of 2025. He added: "When an organisation like Bafta, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour."
Davidson's Response and Apology
John Davidson later issued a statement expressing his mortification over the incident. He wrote: "I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning. I wanted to thank Bafta and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast."
Davidson noted that he appreciated the announcement made to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that his tics are involuntary and not a reflection of his personal beliefs. He said he was "heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me."
He added: "I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette syndrome. I have 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 revealed that he chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as he was aware of the distress his tics were causing.
Ceremony Host and Aftermath
Baftas host Alan Cumming addressed the outbursts during an apology in the ceremony, which he was fronting for the first time on Sunday night. The event was attended by numerous A-list celebrities at London's Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall.
Following the incident, actor Delroy Lindo told Vanity Fair that he and Michael B. Jordan "did what we had to do" while presenting, but expressed disappointment that "someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward."
The controversy has sparked broader conversations about how institutions handle sensitive situations involving both racial issues and disabilities, particularly in high-profile public events.
