BAFTA judge resigns over handling of racial slur incident

Film-maker Jonte Richardson has announced that he would be stepping down as a BAFTA judge over the organisation’s handling of the airing of a racial slur during Sunday’s ceremony.

Tourette’s syndrome campaigner John Davidson, whose real life story was adapted into the acclaimed film I Swear, was heard shouting the N-word from the stalls as Sinners stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan were presenting the award for special visual effect.

While Davidson said that he is "deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning”, concerns have been raised surrounding the organisation’s handling of the incident, notably its presence in the BBC broadcast later that evening.

Writing on LinkedIn, Jonte Richardson said: “After considerable soul-searching, I feel compelled to withdraw from the Bafta emerging talent judging panel. The organisation’s handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable. I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.

“This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025, Just Act Normal,” he added. “However, when an organisation like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.”

The incident has been met with a considerable amount of backlash, with many artists and industry figures criticising the BBC for failing to edit out the word from the telecast, which aired two hours after the live show.

Edits that were carried out included the removal of an acceptance speech from brothers Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr that expressed support for Palestine, as well as a joke by host Alan Cumming that suggested the US was in a state of dire peril.

According to The Press Association, Warner Bros, the studio behind Sinners, raised immediate concerns with BAFTA staff after the incident and requested that it be removed from the broadcast.

UK Labour MP Dawn Butler shared on X her letter to BBC acting director general Tim Davie asking for “urgent explanation” on why Davies Jr’s words were removed but Davidson’s slur remained.

In a statement released on Monday night, BAFTA apologised for the incident and said it takes "full responsibility" for putting its guests in a "difficult situation".

BAFTA also apologised "unreservedly" to Jordan and Lindo, and "to all those impacted", adding: "We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism."