00:00BAFTA has launched a comprehensive review of its 2026 Film Awards ceremony after the N-word was
00:06shouted while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The outburst from
00:12Tourette's campaigner John Davidson made major headlines on Sunday night. Davidson, whose life
00:17inspired the film I Swear, has said he is deeply mortified if anyone thought his tics were
00:22intentional. The I Swear executive producer has a neurological disability that causes involuntary
00:27verbal tics, such as loud swearing. On Tuesday, a letter was sent to BAFTA members addressing the
00:32situation that arose, stating that they take the duty of care to all our guests, quote, very seriously
00:38and prepared extensively in order for John to be able to be present in the room. BAFTA said in the
00:43letter, in part, we made those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the
00:48ceremony began and throughout that John was in the room and that they may hear involuntary strong and
00:54offensive language, noises or movements during the ceremony. We fully understand our intention
00:59to be inclusive in no way diminishes the impact of what happened. It went on to say, we are in
01:04contact with the studios involved and conversations are ongoing. We want to assure all our members that
01:10a comprehensive review is underway. The letter concluded by saying, please rest assured how seriously
01:15we are taking this. BAFTA released a full apology to the wider public on Monday, explaining that they
01:21apologized to the center's actors. They also thanked Davidson for making the decision to leave the
01:26ceremony halfway through. The Hollywood Reporter understands that Warner Brothers executives
01:30immediately requested the slur not be broadcast on the BBC, which aired on a two-hour delay. Questions
01:36have arisen over the broadcaster's decision to include the slur. They have since apologized and
01:41removed the ceremony from streaming service iPlayer. For more on this story, go to THR.com.
01:46This is The Hollywood Reporter News.
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