Tourette's campaigner John Davidson apologised for his involuntary tic, which occurred during the Bafta ceremony. Photo / Getty Images
Bafta judge Jonte Richardson has resigned after the racial slur row that overshadowed Monday’s ceremony.
Film-maker Richardson was a juror on the organisation’s emerging talent judging panel but he has stepped down from the role amid the controversy that has engulfed Bafta after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson blurted out the N-word while Sinners co-stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were onstage presenting a prize.
In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Richardson wrote: “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. 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.
“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.”
Richardson posted his statement before Davidson, whose lifelong struggle with Tourette’s syndrome inspired Bafta-winning film I Swear, issued a heartfelt apology over his uncontrollable tics and referenced both the warning and the apology given by host Alan Cumming during the ceremony.
He said: “I wanted to thank Bafta and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.
“I appreciated the announcement to the auditorium in advance of the recording, warning everyone that my tics are involuntary and are not a reflection of my personal beliefs.
“I was heartened by the round of applause that followed this announcement and felt welcomed and understood in an environment that would normally be impossible for me.
“In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and Bafta, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.
“I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette syndrome.
“I have spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette’s community and to teach empathy, kindness and understanding from others and I will continue to do so.
“I chose to leave the auditorium early into the ceremony as I was aware of the distress my tics were causing.”
Bafta bosses have since issued a statement apologising for any offence caused. It 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.”
The statement said: “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.”