A judge on the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has resigned following what he described as the organisation’s “utterly unforgivable” handling of a racial slur shouted during the awards ceremony over the weekend.
During the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, audience member John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s syndrome, was heard shouting the N-word as actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan presented the award for Best Special Visual Effects.
Davidson later left the auditorium and apologised. BBC also issued an apology for failing to edit the slur out of the delayed broadcast.
Following the incident, BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson announced he was withdrawing from the BAFTA Emerging Talent judging panel. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Richardson said he could no longer contribute his “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.”
He added that while this year’s cohort includes “incredible Black talent,” including creators behind one of his favourite shows of 2025, Just Act Normal, remaining involved would feel like “condoning” BAFTA’s actions if the organisation does not properly acknowledge the harm caused to both Black and disabled communities.
Richardson also called on BAFTA and the BBC to ensure their production teams are sufficiently inclusive to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Davidson later released his own statement, saying he was “deeply mortified” and stressed that his involuntary tics were not intentional and did not reflect his beliefs. He explained that he chose to leave early because he was aware of the distress his tics were causing.
He also thanked BAFTA and organisers for their support, adding that he appreciated an announcement made before the recording which warned the audience about his condition. “I felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me,” he said.