During the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), a significant incident unfolded when John Davidson, an audience member with Tourette's syndrome, shouted a racial slur and several expletives, causing an immediate stir during the live broadcast. The outburst occurred while BAFTA chair Sara Putt was delivering a speech, and again when directors of the Best Children’s and Family Film winner accepted their award. The particularly offensive racial slur shocked viewers, creating a moment of discomfort among the presenters, Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, who were momentarily taken aback before proceeding with their presentation.

The BBC, which aired the ceremony on a two-hour delay, faced significant criticism for not editing out the offensive remarks before the live broadcast reached audiences. The fact that the slur remained on the BBC iPlayer until it was later removed raised questions about the broadcasting protocols and responsibility for handling sensitive issues during live events. Both the BBC and the British Academy issued public apologies, highlighting their commitment to inclusivity and respect, while acknowledging the challenges posed by conditions such as Tourette's syndrome that may lead to involuntary outbursts.

This incident at the BAFTAs underscores ongoing conversations about the implications of live television broadcasting, particularly regarding how events are managed when unexpected incidents occur, and the responsibility media outlets hold in moderating potentially harmful content. It also highlights the societal awareness needed to be sensitive towards conditions that affect behavior and speech, prompting discussions on how inclusivity can coexist with the robust standards expected in public forums like award ceremonies.