How the Tourette’s Fallout Unfolded at the BAFTA Film Awards: From Pre-Show Warnings to the BBC’s “Throw-Away Apology”

The broadcaster and the British Academy have so far not responded to repeated requests for comment from The Hollywood Reporter about the clumsily-handled incident.

23 Feb, 10:30 — 23 Feb, 12:09

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Why this matters

This story highlights the complex challenges faced by broadcasters and event organizers when unexpected incidents occur during live public events, particularly those involving sensitive issues like disability and racial slurs. It underscores the scrutiny media organizations face regarding their immediate response, subsequent apologies, and overall handling of such controversies, especially when public perception of sincerity and responsibility is at stake. The incident sparked debate over involuntary tics versus intentional offense and the adequacy of the apologies issued.

Key entities

BBCBroadcaster, issued apology BAFTABritish Academy, co-host of awards Michael B JordanActor, on stage during incident Delroy LindoActor, on stage during incident Guest with Tourette'sIndividual who shouted racial slur

Coverage Timeline

First report: AP · 23 Feb, 10:30|Full coverage: All 5 sources within 2h|Window: 2h

AP23 Feb, 10:30First to report

BBC and host apologize after racial slur shouted during BAFTA awards by guest with Tourette's - AP News

der-standard23 Feb, 11:04

Tourettesyndrom: Rassistischer Zwischenruf bei Bafta-Verleihung

klix-ba23 Feb, 11:30

BBC i voditelj dodjele nagrada BAFTA uputili izvinjenje nakon rasističke uvrede koju je uputio gost

hollywood-reporter23 Feb, 11:48