BAFTAs host Alan Cumming releases statement on 'sh*tshow' awards after racial slur
Alan Cumming has commented on this year's controversial BAFTA awards ceremony, admitting that everyone was 'let down' by broadcasters.
The actor and filmmaker took to Instagram to speak about John Davidson's outburst for the first time since the awards ceremony, where he shouted a racial slur at Sinners stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan while they were presenting an award.
Davidson has Tourette syndrome, having been diagnosed as a teenager, but the incident was broadcast by the BBC - something which the broadcaster has since apologised for.
The Scot voluntarily left the room after the outburst, and has since addressed the incident, stating that the support he received helped him get through a 'very difficult week'.
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He said: "Whilst I will never apologise for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create."
Tourette Sydrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder which can cause movements or sounds (tics) which are uncontrollable.
Cumming, who hosted the awards on 22 February, explained at the time: "You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience," apologising to those who were offended.
Now, he has taken to social media, writing: “It’s now a week since I hosted the Baftas.
“What should have been an evening celebrating creativity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering shitshow.
“I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt hearing that word echoed round the world.
“I’m so sorry the Tourettes community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.”
He went on: “The only possible good that could come of this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgment about things of which we are not fully cognisant is folly, that all trauma must be recognised and honoured.
“We were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech. Congratulations to all those artists whose work was overshadowed by the night’s events.”
Robert Aramayo, who plays the Scot in I Swear, said afterwards: "The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility.
“It's not shouting obscenities. It's not being abusive. It's Tourette's. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing."
Davidson previously said that he was 'deeply mortified' by what unfolded at the BAFTAs, as he was there due to the release of the film I Swear, which tells the story of his life with the condition.
The BAFTAs released an apology in the aftermath, taking 'full responsibillity' for the 'very difficult situation'.
The BBC also apologised for airing the incident, saying: "We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
A report from The Guardian detailed that BBC producers were editing the broadcast from a truck, and didn't hear the racial slur.
In the broadcast, the BBC edited out part of a speech from Akinola Davies Jr, as the filmmaker said 'Free Palestine'.
Lindo also spoke out about the incident at the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, saying: "I’d just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us.
“It is an honour to be here amongst our people this evening, among so many people who have shown us such incredible support.
"It's a classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive. Thank you so much for the support."
Topics: BAFTAs, TV and Film
Joshua Nair