Filmmaker Jonte Richardson Steps Down as BAFTA Judge Over Racist Slur Incident
Filmmaker Jonte Richardson has resigned from his role as a BAFTA emerging talent judge, citing the organization's handling of a racial slur that occurred during the recent film awards ceremony. The incident, which involved an involuntary tic from Tourette's syndrome, was broadcast and streamed on BBC iPlayer, leading to widespread criticism.
Incident Details and Broadcast Fallout
The racial slur was shouted at the start of Sunday night's BAFTA ceremony, as actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award. The outburst originated from John Davidson, a Tourette's campaigner attending the event, who has expressed deep mortification over his involuntary tics. Despite the ceremony being edited down from three hours to two, the offensive moment remained intact in the broadcast and was available on iPlayer for over 12 hours before removal.
In contrast, other controversial moments, such as a call to "free Palestine" and the use of a derogatory term, were edited out prior to broadcast. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of inconsistent handling by BAFTA and the BBC.
Richardson's Resignation and Criticism
Richardson announced his resignation on Monday, stating that BAFTA has "repeatedly failed" to protect the dignity of Black guests and the creative community. He described the incident as "utterly unforgivable" and emphasized his refusal to contribute to an organization that does not prioritize inclusion. Richardson, who has been a BAFTA member since 2011, highlighted the irony of this year's cohort featuring significant Black talent, including the show "Just Act Normal."
Apologies and Responses from BAFTA and BBC
BAFTA issued a statement apologizing unreservedly to Jordan, Lindo, and all affected individuals, taking full responsibility for the situation. The organization pledged to learn from the incident and maintain inclusion as a core value. Similarly, the BBC apologized for not editing out the slur before broadcast, attributing it to Tourette's syndrome and confirming its removal from iPlayer.
Background on Tourette's Syndrome and Related Events
Tourette's syndrome is a condition characterized by involuntary tics, which can include inappropriate language in rare cases, known as coprolalia. John Davidson, who inspired the film "I Swear" based on his life with Tourette's, left the auditorium early due to distress over his tics. The film's star, Robert Aramayo, won best actor at the BAFTAs, beating out notable contenders like Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
This incident underscores ongoing challenges in balancing sensitivity with live broadcasting, particularly in high-profile events like the BAFTA awards.
