BAFTAs judge explains why he is stepping back after Tourette’s activist yelled racial slur at Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo
BAFTAs judge Jonte Richardson has announced he's withdrawing from the 'BAFTA emerging talent judging panel' following a period of 'considerable soul-searching'.
On Sunday night (February 22), the BAFTA Awards took place and saw immense talent from behind and in-front of the screen recognized for their work.
However, the ceremony has come under scrutiny following one moment in which Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson shouted the N-word during an uncontrollable outburst while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects.
I Swear - which took home a plethora of awards, including the award for Best Actor going to Robert Aramayo - was inspired by Davidson's personal story and his diagnosis with Tourette syndrome at the age of 25.
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The BBC and BAFTAs has faced criticism for its inclusion of the moment during its Bafta Film Awards coverage, with both organisations since releasing statements.
Davidson has also spoken out, saying he is 'mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning'.
Now, a BAFTAs judge has explained his decision to step away from his position over the incident.
On February 23, Richardson took to LinkedIn to share an update on his status as one of the judges in the BAFTA's emerging talent category.
He 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."
Richardson reflected how 'unfortunate' this feels '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," he continued.
The judge implored BAFTA leadership to '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'.
He signed off: "Yours sincerely, Jonte Richardson."
Richardson's stepping down follows shortly after both BAFTA and the BBC issued statements reflecting on the incident.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer."
A further statement added: "Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards.
"This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional."
And BAFTA shared a statement with UNILAD too.
The statement saw the arts charity acknowledge the 'very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many' and the 'harm this has caused' offering an apology 'to all'.
It shared a more detailed insight into Tourette Syndrome and noted Davidson has 'devoted his life to educating and campaigning for better understanding of his condition'.
BAFTA also apologized specifically to Jordan and Lindo alongside thanking them for their 'incredible dignity and professionalism'.
It resolved: "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."
"[...] 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 apologize 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."
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 he 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.”
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Racial Equity Support Line on 503-575-3764, available weekdays from 10am to 7pm PT. Or via the Lines for Life Equity Team at [email protected].
Topics: Baftas, Film and TV, Michael B. Jordan
Poppy Bilderbeck