Inside Michael B. Jordan’s ‘disgusted’ reaction to shocking BAFTAs N-word slur as insiders scramble to contain fallout

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During the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, Michael B. Jordan was reportedly upset and disgusted when someone in the audience shouted a racial slur while he and Delroy Lindo were presenting.

John Davidson, a guest with Tourette syndrome – a condition that causes involuntary tics and verbal outbursts – unexpectedly spoke out.

Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe what happened! Apparently, right after it happened – the thing that totally floored both of them – people who were actually there, backstage, told the Daily Mail it was complete chaos. Like, everyone was running around frantically, trying to fix things! It was a total emergency situation, I just know it!

According to a source at the Daily Mail, neither Delroy nor Michael anticipated the events that unfolded. They were confused at the time and later agreed they had made the right decision by not drawing attention to the situation, effectively letting it fizzle out.

The insider added that the actors were determined to stay focused on why they were there. 

They accomplished what they set out to do – celebrate and enjoy themselves. While the consequences have been difficult, both parties hope something positive can come from this experience and that others can learn from it.

The source emphasized that both parties are eager to prevent this issue from impacting the rest of awards season and any future successes for ‘Sinners.’ They understand they’ll need to discuss it publicly and anticipate repeated questions about it.

I’ve heard they’re hoping to talk to John, and really want to find a path forward that brings everyone together instead of keeping us all apart. It sounds like they’re prioritizing unity, which is great to hear.

A second source, however, claimed that the situation worsened behind the scenes.

According to a source, event organizers spent the whole evening attempting to assure Michael and Lindo that the problematic statement wasn’t actually offensive. However, both were appalled, not only by the statement itself, but also by the attempts to downplay it as a simple, unintentional slip-up.

The incident spoiled the evening, and those close to the situation are questioning if Alan Cumming would have reacted with the same level of understanding if John had used an offensive slur against him.

The insider alleged that multiple industry figures attempted to downplay the incident backstage. 

StudioCanal representatives attempted to downplay the issue to Michael, Lindo, and Wumni behind the scenes, but they weren’t buying it. It’s completely unacceptable. While the BBC removed any references to Palestine from the broadcast, this particular content somehow slipped through. The entire situation is a mess.

There are worries about what this will mean for the studio that made the film, which has already earned $370 million worldwide.

A major challenge for Sony is that the recent film ‘Sinners’ earned $370 million, and now they’re trying to promote a biopic in the US about someone who publicly used a racial slur against the film’s two stars during Black History Month, as reported by a source.

Sources say the BBC has apologized directly to Jordan and everyone involved in the production.

According to a source, the BBC apologized to Michael and his team for broadcasting the comment and emphasized they didn’t think John meant any harm. While Michael accepted the apology, those close to him aren’t sure the comment wasn’t racially insensitive.

We haven’t heard from John, but Robert has been in contact. No one spoke to them before Alan was asked to apologize, and they were upset that the audience received an apology first.

Despite the anger, sources insist both Jordan and Lindo want to move forward constructively.

According to a source, both parties involved hope this issue won’t negatively impact the rest of awards season or future opportunities for ‘Sinners.’ They understand they’ll need to discuss it repeatedly, and they’re prepared to do so. They also want to speak with John Davidson, hoping this situation can be a learning experience and bring people together instead of creating further division.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jordan, Davidson, Lindo, the BBC, Studio Canal, and Cumming, but has not yet received a response.

BAFTA has apologized for the “very offensive language” used during Sunday night’s awards show. In a statement to the Daily Mail, the organization said the language is deeply hurtful to many people and offered a full and sincere apology to anyone affected.

The organization stated the unexpected vocalizations came from guest Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome. This condition causes involuntary tics – brief, repetitive sounds or movements – that are not a sign of someone’s opinions or meant to be disruptive.

BAFTA confirmed they alerted attendees that comedian Jim Davidson, known for potentially offensive material, would be present and that guests ‘might experience strong language or unexpected sounds and movements’ during the event. However, they acknowledged that a particularly jarring outburst – a highly offensive term – was audible while presenters Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett were onstage.

We sincerely apologize to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who were present on stage when the incident occurred, and to everyone affected. We are grateful for their grace and professionalism.

BAFTA confirmed that Davidson left the awards ceremony on their own accord. The organization accepted full responsibility for creating an uncomfortable situation for attendees and promised to learn from the incident, continuing to prioritize inclusivity in all future events.

Davidson also released a statement, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, addressing his outburst. 

Davidson started by saying he’s always been upset if people think his involuntary movements are deliberate or have a hidden meaning. He also expressed his gratitude to BAFTA and everyone who worked on the awards show for their support, understanding, and invitation to attend.

He went on to say that he was grateful for the announcement made to the audience before the recording began. It explained that his tics happen automatically and don’t represent his opinions. He was really encouraged by the applause that followed, and felt accepted and understood in a situation where he usually wouldn’t feel comfortable.

I attended the event to celebrate ‘I Swear,’ a film that, for me, best explains Tourette Syndrome – its causes, how it affects people, and what it looks like. Supporting the Tourette’s community and encouraging others to be understanding and compassionate has always been my life’s work, and I plan to keep doing so. I left the ceremony early because I noticed my tics were bothering people, and I didn’t want to cause any discomfort.

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2026-02-24 02:06