Michael B Jordan 'Repulsed' by Baftas Racial Slur While Parents Left in Tears
American actor Michael B Jordan was left feeling disgusted and repulsed after being subjected to a racial slur while presenting at the Bafta Awards ceremony in London. The incident occurred on Sunday night as Jordan and his co-star Delroy Lindo prepared to present the award for best visual effects.
Shocking Outburst During Live Broadcast
As Jordan and Lindo took the stage at London's Royal Festival Hall, Tourette's campaigner John Davidson was heard shouting the N-word, prompting audible gasps throughout the audience. The shocking moment unfolded during what should have been a celebratory evening for the film industry.
Following the incident, the BBC faced significant backlash for not editing the racial slur from the broadcast, particularly after the network had removed a director's plea to 'Free Palestine' from another part of the ceremony. The broadcaster subsequently removed the entire awards ceremony from iPlayer.
Jordan's Personal Reaction and Family Impact
A source close to the situation revealed that Jordan, who had recently completed extensive research into the psychological effects of racism for his role in the film 'Sinners,' was particularly affected by the outburst. "Michael was disgusted, repulsed and grossed out by John's outburst," the source told Metro.
The incident proved especially painful for Jordan's family. "His mum and dad broke down in tears when they saw what happened to him and Delroy," the source explained. "It has been a horrible 48 hours for the family."
Jordan's parents were reportedly deeply affected by seeing their son subjected to racial abuse, with the source noting that the actor's community in Newark had historical connections to the Great Migration, when Black Americans fled racial terror in the South.
Aftermath and Apologies
In the wake of the incident, Jordan postponed some London plans to spend time with his parents as he recovered from the traumatic experience. Delroy Lindo later told Vanity Fair that he and Jordan "did what we had to do" while presenting, but expressed disappointment that no one from Bafta had spoken to them afterward.
John Davidson, who has Tourette's syndrome and experiences involuntary verbal tics including swearing, issued an apology the day after the awards. "I am deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," he stated.
During the ceremony itself, host Alan Cumming addressed the outburst, thanking attendees for their "understanding" and "helping create a respectful space for everyone."
BBC's Response and Broader Context
The BBC issued multiple apologies following the incident. A spokesperson initially addressed the "strong and offensive language," noting it "arose from involuntary verbal tics" that were "not intentional." The broadcaster later issued a direct apology to Jordan and Lindo.
"Our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many," the BBC stated to The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all."
The statement continued: "Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."
Historical Achievement Overshadowed
The incident occurred on what should have been a triumphant night for Jordan's film 'Sinners.' The movie became the most-decorated film from a Black director in Bafta history, winning three awards including best original screenplay for director Ryan Coogler, making him the first Black winner in that category.
'Sinners' had received 13 Bafta nominations - the most ever for a film directed by a Black filmmaker - and last month garnered a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations. Coogler had previously called the recognition "pretty crazy," though the evening's disturbing incident has since overshadowed these achievements.
Throughout the ceremony, Davidson could be heard shouting various expletives from his seat, including telling Bafta chair Sara Putt to "shut the f**k up" during her speech and yelling "f**k you" when Arco's directors took the stage. Multiple reports indicated he shouted the N-word several times during the broadcast.
The BBC has stated it will "learn from this and keep inclusion at the core of all we do," while Jordan remains focused on his upcoming projects, including the new film 'The Thomas Crown Affair.'
