Quick Read
- Jonte Richardson resigned from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel on February 24, 2026.
- His resignation followed a racial slur shouted by Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson during a BAFTA ceremony while Black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.
- Richardson cited BAFTA’s “utterly unforgivable” handling of the incident and its “long history of systemic racism.”
- The BBC faced criticism for airing the slur in its broadcast and later issued an apology and re-edited the version.
- BAFTA also issued an apology, taking “full responsibility” and apologizing to the affected actors, but the incident sparked wider debate on diversity and accountability.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Independent producer Jonte Richardson has stepped down from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel, citing the organization’s “utterly unforgivable” handling of a racial slur shouted during a recent awards ceremony. Richardson’s resignation on February 24, 2026, has intensified scrutiny on the British Academy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, drawing widespread criticism from industry figures and politicians alike.
The incident occurred during Sunday’s BAFTA ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall when Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, whose life story inspired the acclaimed film I Swear, shouted a racial slur from the stalls. This happened while Black actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan, stars of Sinners, were on stage presenting an award for special visual effects. Both actors appeared visibly shocked but continued their duties professionally.
Jonte Richardson Cites ‘Unforgivable’ Handling
In a detailed statement shared on LinkedIn, Jonte Richardson, a seasoned filmmaker with a career spanning decades and credits including BBC’s Babyfather and work with artists like Beyoncé, expressed his profound disappointment. He stated, “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.”
Richardson further criticized BAFTA, noting its “long history of systemic racism” and its refusal to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities. He emphasized that remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning the organization’s behavior, despite the presence of ‘incredible Black talent’ among this year’s nominees.
The BAFTA Incident and Its Fallout
The incident sparked immediate backlash, exacerbated by the BBC’s decision to air the live broadcast, which ran two hours after the event, without editing out Davidson’s outburst. While in-person attendees were pre-briefed about Davidson’s Tourette syndrome and potential involuntary language, this forewarning was not included in the television broadcast. The BBC later issued an apology and uploaded a re-edited version to iPlayer, attributing the oversight to its team “working from a truck” and failing to hear the word.
However, many found the BBC’s explanation and subsequent actions inadequate. Labour MP Dawn Butler wrote to BBC acting director general Tim Davie, demanding an ‘urgent explanation’ for why Davidson’s slur remained while other comments, such as ‘Free Palestine’ by winner Akinola Davies Jr., were removed. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also weighed in, calling the BBC’s failure to bleep the word a ‘horrible mistake.’
Ceremony host Alan Cumming made a reference to the outbursts during the telecast, stating, “Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you’ve heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you are offended tonight.” This apology, however, was widely criticized for its conditional phrasing, with Sinners‘ nominated production designer Hannah Beachler calling it a ‘throwaway’ apology. The New Black Film Collective echoed this sentiment, asserting that Cumming’s framing “diminishes the lived reality of racism. Black pain should never be treated as conditional or secondary.”
Broader Implications for BAFTA Diversity
BAFTA issued a ‘long apology’ on Monday evening, taking ‘full responsibility’ for putting its guests in a ‘difficult situation’ and pledging to ‘learn from this’ and keep inclusion ‘at the core of all we do.’ They apologized ‘unreservedly’ to Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, thanking them for their ‘incredible dignity and professionalism.’ Notably, the statement also thanked Davidson for ‘his dignity and consideration of others.’ Davidson himself issued a statement, expressing he was ‘deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,’ and noting he left the auditorium early due to awareness of the distress his tics were causing.
Despite BAFTA’s apology, concerns persist. Vanity Fair reported that Delroy Lindo expressed at an afterparty that he wished ‘someone from Bafta spoke to us afterwards,’ highlighting a perceived lack of direct communication with the affected actors. The New Black Film Collective urged the BBC and BAFTA to undertake a full review and commit to ‘meaningful action’ to ensure Black artists and audience members are not subjected to racial harm under any circumstance.
Jonte Richardson’s resignation underscores a critical juncture for BAFTA, forcing a re-evaluation of its internal processes, its response to sensitive incidents, and its long-term commitment to fostering an truly inclusive environment for all members of the creative community. The incident and its aftermath highlight the ongoing challenge for major institutions to balance diverse needs while upholding principles of dignity and respect.