Feb 23 • 09:29 UTC 🇬🇷 Greece Naftemporiki

BAFTA 2026: The racist comment that freezed the audience

The BBC apologized for "intense and offensive language" during the BAFTA 2026 Awards after a racist comment directed at actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.

During the BAFTA 2026 Awards, an inappropriate and racist comment was directed towards actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo leading to an apology from the BBC. The incident occurred as the two actors were on stage to present the award for Best Visual Effects in London. They are both prominent Black actors, and the comment caused a moment of pause during their presentation when they heard a racist slur concerning their skin color.

The BBC later clarified that the offensive comments were an unintended result of involuntary vocal tics from an attendee diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. This clarification was made in response to public outrage and concern regarding the incident, emphasizing that the remarks were not intentionally directed as a racial slur but rather stemmed from a medical condition.

This incident has ignited conversations about racism and the experience of Black artists in the entertainment industry, highlighting not only the prevalence of discriminatory behavior but also the responsibilities of institutions like the BBC in addressing such issues. The occurrence raises awareness about how mental health conditions can intersect with public behavior and the interpretation of such actions in society.

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