BBC and BAFTA apologise after racial slur was broadcast during awards show

The BBC and the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) have apologised after a racial slur was shouted from the crowd and broadcast to audiences during the awards show.The slur, which was involuntarily shouted by Tourette syndrome advocate and campaigner John Davidson, was not edited out of the BBC One broadcast despite it being on delay and remained online for some time afterwards.Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting during the star-studded ceremony when the slur was heard.Watch the videos above.In a statement, the BBC explained that it understood the language was not intentional."Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards," the statement read."This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional."READ MORE: Paul Mescal left red-faced following scathing callout from BAFTAs hostREAD MORE: Kylie Jenner 'sneaks in' to BAFTAs to meet beau Timothée ChalametREAD MORE: William and Kate's united front at the BAFTAs after Andrew's arrestIn its statement, BAFTA apologised and acknowledged any harm that was caused."At the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all," the arts charity said."One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over."Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience."You can read BAFTA's statement in full below.Shortly following the segment, the awards show host Alan Cumming apologised to the audience."Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language," Cumming said."We apologise if you were offended."In a statement, John Davidson said he was "deeply mortified" if anybody took his involuntary tic to be intentional or carry any meaning."In addition to the announcement by [show host] Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been, deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning," he said.Tourettes Action — a Tourette syndrome charity — called for understanding of the condition."We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time, it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions, or character," said Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action.For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterised by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics that tend to wax and wane but can worsen with excitement or anxiety.- Reported with Associated PressREAD BAFTA's full statement hereAt the BAFTA Film Awards last night our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many. We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual's beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. 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.During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.