BAFTA judge resigns following ‘unforgivable handling’ of racial slur incident
Jonte Richardson has stepped down as a judge in the BAFTA emerging talent category.
This follows the handling of a racial slur being involuntarily shouted by Tourette's campaigner, John Davidson, at the ceremony on Sunday (22 February).
The Scot, who was diagnosed with the syndrome after developing tics and uncontrollable vocalisations as a teen, reportedly had a number of offensive language outbursts during the ceremony. The inspiration behind film I Swear, Davidson spoke out to say he left the room early as he was 'aware of the distress my tics were causing'.
Audible in the TV broadcast, he shouted the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.
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And as controversy continued yesterday, Richardson has criticised BAFTA's handling of the incident as he says he will no longer contribute his 'time, energy and expertise' to it.
“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,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
“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.”
The director at BLAKLIGHT MEDIA continued: "This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favourite shows of 2025 Just Act Normal. However, when an organisation like BAFTA, with its own long history of systemic racism, refuses to acknowledge the harm inflicted on both the Black and disabled communities and offer an appropriate apology, remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.
"I hope BAFTA leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future."
What have celebrities said about the BAFTAs incident?
Delroy Lindo: 'Did what we had to do'
At a BAFTAs after-party, Sinners actor Lindo, who was presenting onstage with co-star Michael B. Jordan when the slur was yelled, said they 'did what we had to do' but wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.
Robert Aramayo: 'The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility'
Aramayo portrays Davidson in the film I Swear, and picked up both the Best Actor and Rising Star award at the BAFTAs.
He said: “First of all, there are tics. He is ticcing. We have to understand. 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.”
Jamie Foxx: 'He meant that s**t'
The Django Unchained star left several Instagram comments slamming Davidson.
In one he wrote: "Nah he meant that s**t."
In another he said: "Out of all the words you could've said, Tourette's makes you say that?"
Wendell Pierce: 'The insult to them takes priority'
The Wire actor took to X, saying: “It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throatted [sic] apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan.
"The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”
BAFTA statement in full
BAFTA issued a statement last night which reads: "At the BAFTA Film Awards last night 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 apologise to all.
"One of our guests, John Davidson MBE, has Tourette Syndrome and has devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of this condition. Tourette Syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics, that the individual has no control over. Such tics are in no way a reflection of an individual’s beliefs and are not intentional. John Davidson is an executive producer of the BAFTA nominated film, I Swear, which is based on his life experience.
"We take the duty of care to all our guests very seriously and start from a position of inclusion. We took measures to make those in attendance aware of the tics, announcing to the audience before the ceremony began, and throughout, that John was in the room and that they may hear strong language, involuntary noises or movements during the ceremony.
"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 apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.
"During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.
"We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy."
Topics: Michael B Jordan, Racism, TV and Film
Jess Battison