The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA’s) celebrated many aspects that make cinema amazing, but it was unfortunately the subject of much controversy.

The award ceremony, which was held on Feb. 22, was hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming, known for hosting the popular reality show “The Traitors.” When “Sinners” stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for “Best Special Visual Effects,” Tourette’s syndrome activist and subject of “Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay” nominee “I Swear” John Davidson shouted a racial slur. 

Tourette’s syndrome is a motor disorder that can cause involuntary tics, whether motor or vocal. Davidson has been open about his experience with Tourette’s since his first appearance in the British Broadcast Channel (BBC) television documentary “John’s Not Mad” at age 15. His most recent project, a biopic entitled “I Swear,” earned praise from audiences and critics alike, which in turn led to the film receiving many nominations at the BAFTAs. 

After the incident, Davidson left after the first half-hour of the ceremony. Viewers heavily criticized the BBC for not editing out the slur from its broadcast. The criticism was heightened when viewers looked at what was actually edited out, such as Cumming’s joke about Disney’s “Zootopia 2” and its relation to America’s current political climate, asking whether the film’s themes of corruption and persecution “rings any bells.” The BBC also cut out writer Akinola Davies Jr. shouting “free Palistine” after accepting the award for “Best Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.” 

After the incident, Lindo spoke with Deadline, saying that he and Jordan “did what we had to do.” He also expressed that he wished someone from BAFTA had spoken to them afterwards. Davidson reached out to Jordan and Lindo personally to apologize. According to the BBC and Davidson, an announcement was made over the speakers explaining that Davidson would be in the audience and that he has Tourette’s. 

Davidson would go on to talk about the incident further in an email interview with Variety. He says that his tics, like many other people with Tourette’s, are triggered and heightened in moments of extreme anxiety. He mentions that this was not the only instance of him ticking with offensive words that night. He also said that he had raised this issue with the showrunners and was assured that measures would be taken to censor any obscenities. He also notes how he was placed right next to a microphone, allowing himself to be heard across the building. He also explained that his tics are triggered by what he sees and hears, an aspect of Tourettes called echolalia. “For example, when the chair of BAFTA started speaking on Sunday, I shouted, ‘Boring’,” Davidson said. 

As to the reason that the slur was not edited out, it was reported that the producers overseeing the ceremony were doing so from a TV truck and did not hear the word. Throughout the show, many people had raised concerns about the incident, asking it to be removed from the broadcast. They were assured their concerns would be brought to the attention of the BBC. 

Davidson had just as much of a right to be at the event as everyone else, but it seems proper measures were not taken to make sure the experience would be safe for everyone. As a result, a night meant to be filled with celebration was filled with controversy.