BBC and host apologize after racial slur shouted during BAFTA awards by guest with Tourette's
ABC7 Chicago • • world
Key Points:
- During the British Academy Film Awards, an audience member with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo announced the best visual effects award.
- Host Alan Cumming explained that the outburst was a result of Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder causing involuntary vocalizations, and apologized to viewers for the offensive language.
- The BBC broadcast the ceremony with the slur audible, later apologizing and removing the unedited version from its iPlayer streaming service, promising to edit out the offensive word.
- The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supported Cumming's explanation, emphasizing the involuntary nature of the outburst, while advocates suggested the BBC should have bleep
