...
By Claire Dodds
Life & Trends Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Oscar-winning production designer behind Sinners, has spoken out after a Tourette’s-related outburst during the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) ceremony included the N-word, saying the handling of the moment made an already “impossible situation” worse.
Hannah Beachler was among the nominees at the London event, where John Davidson—a Tourette’s campaigner and the real-life inspiration for the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear—experienced multiple involuntary vocal tics from the audience.
During a presentation by Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Davidson shouted a racial slur. The BBC later apologized for broadcasting the language.
Read More on Entertainment
The controversy has since spread online, where viewers have debated the broadcaster’s decision not to edit the moment from its delayed telecast and questioned how the incident was addressed on stage.
...
As Newsweek reported, BAFTA host Alan Cumming paused the ceremony to acknowledge the disruption.
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background,” Cumming told the audience.
“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 helping create a respectful space for everyone.”
Later in the show, he added: “Tourette's syndrome is a disability and the tics you've heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette's syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you are offended tonight.”
Multiple Outbursts
Beachler indicated that phrasing compounded the harm felt by some attendees. In posts shared after the ceremony, she said the apology’s tone minimized the impact of the slur and described experiencing multiple outbursts over the course of the evening including one directed at her after the event.
Online, discussion has centered less on Davidson’s condition and more on the broadcast decision.
In a Reddit thread reacting to the incident, one contributor wrote: “These people did not need to be embarrassed like this. This situation must've been upsetting to be in, but the BAFTAs is not live, the BBC made a very clear decision to keep that moment in.
"They purposely decided to degrade an important moment whilst humiliating all involved. So unnecessary, very purposely done. It's just upsetting to see.”
according to hannah beachler production designer
r/popculturechat
Another Reddit critic pointed to standard television safeguards, writing: “This is why all live TV has broadcast delays and dump buttons. They were literally invented for moments like this.
"The whole purpose of a five-to-10 second delay on live TV to stop broadcast on people, unintentionally or not, who say horribly offensive s***.”
A fellow commenter considered, “The fact that they didn't edit it out when they absolutely had time to is really alarming and they have to answer to that. And they edited out other things but left this in.
"Are they trying to tell us something about where they stand?”
'We apologize'
The BBC addressed the matter in a statement reported by Newsweek, saying: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards 2026. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional.
"We apologize for any offense caused by the language heard.”
The BBC has since told Newsweek, "This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
The entire BAFTA Film Awards show has since been removed from the BBC's streaming service.
Newsweek has reached out to the BBC's press team for comment via email.
Newsweek has reached out to representatives of Hannah Beachler for comment via email.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines