The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards 2026 were held in London on Sunday, and the biggest stars from around the world were in attendance. However, one moment that caused a stir was when Tourette’s activist John Davidson shouted a racist slur, the N-word, at the actors. Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo performed on stage. Jamie Foxx believes this is what John meant when he shouted the word.
Jamie Foxx reacts to Tourette’s worker shouting N-word at him
An Instagram page posted video of the moment John loudly shouted the N-word as Michael and Delroy presented the award at the BAFTAs. Commenting under this, “No, she meant it,” Jamie wrote, responding to how the worker had said it because of his Tourette’s. In addition to writing, “Unacceptable,” he also wrote, “Of all the words, you could have said that Tourette’s forces you to say that?” Actor Melvin Gregg also questioned the timing of the word being said, commenting, “How many times did they say it during the show?”
The moment prompted people on the Internet to call out John, with one Instagram user commenting, “He handled it well. I would have said, who are you talking to?” Another wrote, “And to say this during a brief silent pause. Please, that’s what he meant.” Reality TV personality Miss Lawrence wrote: “Gurlllllllll no ma’am!” Someone also commented, “Where is it.” Will Smith?” Referring to the infamous incident when he slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars in 2022. Some people came to John’s defense and claimed that he did not intend to be ‘offensive’.
How John Davidson caused a stir at BAFTA 2026
During the early part of the show, when As BAFTA chair Sarah Putt addressed the gathering, John was heard shouting ‘boring’ and ‘fuck off’. Later, when Michael and Delroy were presenting the Best Visual Effects award, he dropped the N-word. Michael paused for a moment as Delroy tried to recover and continue his presentation. However, his smile faded and the moment quickly went viral on the internet, with people offering their opinions.
Later, host Alan Cumming stopped the show and explained that the ‘strong language’ was not voluntary, but on behalf of John, who has Tourette’s. John was at the awards ceremony, as he is the subject of the film I Swear, in which he is played by Robert Aramayo. He is known for speaking openly about living with Tourette syndrome. He has worked for years to raise awareness and support others with the condition. In 2018 he received an honor from Queen Elizabeth II for his efforts.
For those unaware, the US-based National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokedescribes Tourette’s is a neurological disorder that can cause sudden, unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repetitive movements or vocal sounds called tics.