BAFTAs host Alan Cumming slammed the BBC over its “sh*t show” presentation after a Tourette’s racist incident.
Cumming hosted The British Academy Film Awards in London, England on Sunday, Feb. 22. He called the BBC broadcast a “triggering sh*t show” after Tourette’s sufferer John Davidson shouted the n-word – and the BBC did not edit it out of the final televised broadcast.
“Sinners” actress Jayme Lawson accused the BBC and BAFTA of not caring for the dignity or the humanity of Black people. She said leaving the n-word in the broadcast was not an accident.
"You want to celebrate our art, but you won't protect it." – Jayme Lawson calls out the #BAFTAs slip up at the #NAACPImageAwards pic.twitter.com/y19yOIMfrk
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 1, 2026
Davidson also shouted a homophobic slur while Cumming was on stage – but the BBC edited the slur out of the broadcast. Cumming identifies as bisexual.
The Scottish actor, who also hosts “The Traitors US,” apologized for both incidents, saying “we were let down”.
“I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt hearing that word echoed round the world. I’m so sorry the Tourette’s community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition,” he said.
Davidson shouted the racial slur while “Sinners” costars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award of the evening at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Despite there being a 2-hour delay between the live ceremony and the BBC’s coverage, the racial slur was not edited from the final broadcast.
But the BBC edited out a homophobic slur shouted at Cumming.
The BBC’s actions imply that the racial slur is socially acceptable, while the homophobic slur was not.
The BBC also edited out the words “Free Palestine” from filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr’s acceptance speech.
