
Racial Slur Shouted by Guest with Tourette's at BAFTA Awards
In Brief
A guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the BAFTA awards, prompting apologies from BAFTA and the BBC.
Key Facts
- A guest with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the British Academy Film Awards ceremony in London
- The incident occurred while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting an award
- Both BAFTA and the BBC issued public apologies following the broadcast of the ceremony
- The outburst was involuntary and related to the guest's Tourette syndrome
- The incident raised questions about the response of the show's host and the BBC during the live event
What Happened
During the BAFTA awards ceremony in London, a guest with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. The incident was broadcast live, leading BAFTA and the BBC to issue apologies. The event sparked discussion about how the live broadcast and its hosts handled the situation.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights challenges in live broadcasting when unexpected events occur, especially involving medical conditions such as Tourette syndrome. It also raises considerations about audience management and the responsibilities of broadcasters and event organizers in addressing offensive outbursts. The public apologies reflect an effort to acknowledge the impact of the incident on viewers and participants.
Sources
- BBC News — BBC apologises after guest with Tourette's shouts racial slur during Baftas
- ABC News — BBC apologizes after racial slur shouted during BAFTA awards by guest with Tourette's
- CBS News — Racial slur shouted during BAFTA awards by guest with Tourette's
- NYT — BAFTAs Guest With Tourettes Shouts Racial Slur During Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s Appearance