Alan Cumming speaks out on 's***show' BAFTAs racial slur incident following public outcry

Alan Cumming has branded the recent BAFTAs as a 'trauma triggering s***show' after the moment a Tourette's activist's racial slur was broadcast.

The BAFTAs took place on February 22, which The Traitors US star Cumming hosted.

The star-studded night was broadcast on the BBC two hours after the event took place, and while the British broadcaster censored Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr.'s speech about Palestine, it failed to cut the moment John Davidson shouted the N-word while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage.

The BBC has since apologized for this but failed to explain why the racial slur wasn't edited out.

The BAFTAs has also addressed the matter and said that it takes 'full responsibility' for the controversial incident.

Cumming apologized at the time the slur was said, telling the audience: “You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.

“Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.”

Now, he's spoken out once again and apologized to Black community and to those with Tourette's.

“What should’ve been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering sh**show,” Cumming wrote on Instagram.

“I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt at hearing that word echoed around the world. I’m so sorry the Toruettes community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.”

The Good Wife actor went on: “The only possible good that could come of this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgement about things of which we are not fully cognisant is folly, that all trauma must be recognised and honoured.”

Cumming continued to write that everyone had been 'let down by decision made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech'.

“Congratulations to the artists whose work was overshadowed by the night's events," he concluded his social media statement.

What has John Davidson said about the BAFTAs incident?

After the awards show, the Tourette's activist told Deadline that he felt 'deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning'.

“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,” he added.

While Cumming has apologized for what happened, Davidson has said that he will not say sorry for having Tourette's — but he has apologized for how it can impact people.

“Whilst I will never apologize for having Tourette syndrome, I will apologize for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create,” he said in a statement.

Davidson, whose life is depicted in the movie I Swear, went on to say that the days following the BAFTAs have been 'tough' and that the situation has reminded him that more awareness is required 'for such a misunderstood condition'.

What have celebrities said about the BAFTAs incident?

Delroy Lindo: 'Did what we had to do'

At a BAFTAs after-party, Sinners actor Lindo, who was presenting onstage with co-star Michael B. Jordan when the slur was yelled, said they 'did what we had to do' but wished 'someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterward'.

Robert Aramayo: 'The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility'

Aramayo portrays Davidson in the film I Swear, and picked up both the Best Actor and Rising Star award at the BAFTAs.

He said: “First of all, there are tics. He is ticcing. We have to understand. The way we perceive Tourette's is a joint responsibility.

“It's not shouting obscenities. It's not being abusive. It's Tourette's. They are tics. If it can lead to a deeper understanding of Tourette's, and movies are part of that conversation, then it's an incredible thing.”

Jamie Foxx: 'He meant that s**t'

The Django Unchained star left several Instagram comments slamming Davidson.

In one, he wrote: “Nah he meant that s**t."

In another, Foxx said: “Out of all the words you could've said, Tourette's makes you say that?”

Wendell Pierce: 'The insult to them takes priority'

The Wire actor took to X, saying: “It’s infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throatted [sic] apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan.

“The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”