Jamie Foxx condemned the BAFTA Awards after an audience member yelled a racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo during the ceremony.
John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, shouted the n-word as Jordan and Lindo presented the ceremony’s award for Best Visual Effects.
Foxx commented on an Instagram post where a clip of the incident was featured.
”Nah, he meant that s—,” adding, “Unacceptable.”
Wendell Pierce also condemned the BAFTA Awards in a post on social media.
”It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full-throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan,” Pierce wrote on X.
”The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur,” Pierce continued.
Hannah Beachler, the production designer of Sinners, also shared her thoughts on X about Davidson’s behavior.
”I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can’t find the words,” Beachler said. “The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.”
BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed the incident on stage, Variety reported.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming said. “This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people, as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and for helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
BAFTA ISSUES AN APOLOGY
Eventually, BAFTA issued a written apology.
”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 apologize to all,” the apology stated.
”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 apologize unreservedly to them and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”