BAFTA and BBC Apologize for Racial Slur During Awards Show

London: The British Academy Film Awards and the BBC apologized Monday for a racist slur broadcast while two stars of the movie “Sinners” were on stage during Sunday’s show.

The Tourette syndrome advocate who called out the insult said he was “deeply ashamed” and that what he said was “not a reflection of my personal beliefs.”

The deeply offensive remark was heard during the introduction of “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, both black, who presented the award for best visual effects at Sunday’s ceremony. Presenter Alan Cumming had previously told viewers that Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson was also in attendance.

The incident led the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to apologize for “offensive language that carries unprecedented trauma and pain for so many”, adding: “We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism.”

Davidson, the Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear”, said in a statement on Monday that he would be “deeply ashamed if anyone thought my involuntary tics were intentional or had any meaning”.

Tourettes Action, a Tourette syndrome charity, has called for understanding of the condition.

“We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt, but it is also vital that the public understands a basic truth about Tourette syndrome: tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions or character,” said Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action.

Tourette syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements or sounds called tics that tend to wax and wane but can be worsened by excitement or anxiety, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. They may seem purposeful, but they’re not, and NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s Tourette fact sheet says that people who try to suppress them often report a tension building before the tic erupts.

The Tourette Association of America says that about 10-15% of people with this syndrome experience a type of vocal tic called coprolalia, which consists of involuntary swearing, insults, or other socially unacceptable words or phrases.

Many shouts were heard during the first part of the ceremony, but what was said was incomprehensible to the Associated Press reporter in the press room.

After the insult was shouted during Jordan and Lindo’s presentation, Cumming apologized to the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the “strong and offensive language”.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability, and the tics you heard tonight are involuntary, meaning the person with Tourette syndrome has no control over their language,” Cumming said. “We’re sorry if you were offended.”

“I chose to leave the ceremony early because I was aware of the distress my tics caused,” Davidson said in his statement.

This epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event. The broadcaster apologized for not editing before broadcast, but the offending lyrics could still be heard on the iPlayer streaming service on Monday morning. The program was later removed and the BBC said it would correct the insult.

“Some viewers may have heard harsh and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards,” the BBC said in a statement. “This was caused by involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional, as explained during the ceremony.

“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including a best actor award for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.

Representatives for the film and Jordan and Lindo did not immediately respond to requests for comment.