Bafta 2026 N-Word Controversy Erupts as Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce Voice Outrage
The British Academy Film Awards (Bafta) 2026 ceremony was marred by a shocking incident that has ignited widespread backlash, with Hollywood stars Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce leading the criticism. During the event, Tourette syndrome (TS) activist John Davidson, who attended as his life-inspired film I Swear was nominated for multiple awards, repeatedly shouted outbursts, including the use of the N-word while actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the first award of the evening.
Celebrity Reactions and Social Media Firestorm
Jamie Foxx responded swiftly to the controversy, commenting on social media with blunt disapproval. He stated, "Unacceptable" and added, "Nah he meant that shit," expressing clear dismay over the incident. Wendell Pierce, another prominent actor, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for immediate apologies to Lindo and Jordan. Pierce remarked, "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 also weighed in on social media, highlighting broader issues of respect and dehumanization. She noted, "Black people are just supposed to be ok with being disrespected and dehumanised so that other people don't feel bad," underscoring the racial tensions stirred by the event.
Bafta's Response and Disability Context
During the ceremony, host Alan Cumming addressed the situation twice, explaining that Tourette syndrome is a disability characterized by involuntary tics. Cumming stated, "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." TS is a motor control disorder affecting 10-20% of individuals with coprolalia, which involves loud, involuntary swearing.
Despite this medical context, the incident has sparked a heated debate about balancing disability awareness with the impact of racial slurs. The fallout continues to mount as the film community and public grapple with the complexities of accountability and sensitivity in high-profile settings.
