BBC apologises after Jamie Foxx hits out at Tourette's outbursts during Baftas

The BBC has apologised after a racial slur shouted during the Bafta Film Awards ceremony was broadcast, which actor Jamie Foxx called “unacceptable”.

The outburst was heard as Sinners actors Delroy Lindo and Michael B Jordan presented the award for special visual effects on Sunday evening.

There were also expletives shouted during Bafta chair Sara Putt’s opening speech and when directors of children’s film winner Boong collected their award.

Host Alan Cumming apologised to viewers.

Host Alan Cumming speaks on stage during the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22 Getty Images

“You may have heard some strong and offensive language tonight. If you have seen the film I Swear, you will know that film is about the experience of a person with Tourette syndrome,” he said.

“Tourette syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologise if you were offended.”

Reacting to a clip of the moment on Instagram, actor and rapper Jamie Foxx called the outburst “unacceptable” and claimed the words were intentional.

Hollywood star Jamie Foxx was told to 'educate' himself about Tourette syndrome. — Hollywood star Jamie Foxx was told to ‘educate’ himself about Tourette syndrome. Getty Images

He wrote: “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that?”

“Nah he meant that s**t.”

Other users on social media responded, commenting that Foxx should learn more about Tourette syndrome.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the Bafta Film Awards 2026.

“This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and was not intentional. We apologise for any offence caused by the language heard.”

One of the nominated films, I Swear, tells the story of Scottish Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson, who developed the condition when he was 12 and was in the audience for at least part of the ceremony.

The film was nominated for five awards and won two, including for Robert Aramayo’s lead performance as Davidson.

The Hollywood Reporter said that Davidson left the ceremony of his own accord on Sunday night.

I Swear follows the life and work of the Scottish Tourette's Syndrome campaigner John Davidson. — I Swear follows the life and work of the Scottish Tourette’s Syndrome campaigner John Davidson. STV News

Davidson, from Galashiels, rose to prominence in 1989 in the BBC documentary John’s Not Mad, a programme which highlighted his neurological condition, which causes a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics.

These can often come out as uncontrollable, foul-mouthed public outbursts.

The campaigner was diagnosed with the syndrome in the 1980s when the condition was little known and very misunderstood.

Davidson was awarded an MBE in 2019 for his efforts to increase understanding of the condition and helping families deal with it across the country.

He previously told STV News that he “hopes my biopic will end the negative narrative around Tourette’s”.

“We need to take away the negative narrative about Tourette’s and I think this film is going to take us past just raising awareness; it’s going to create a movement, that’s what I’m hoping for”, he said.

I Swear, the real story of Davidson growing up in 1980s Scotland, won two awards including a surprise victory for British star Robert Aramayo, who was named best actor beating Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet.

Bafta, Tourette Scotland, Lindo and Jordan have been contacted for comment.