A BAFTA jury member has announced that he will be stepping down from his role in the organisation following a controversial on-air incident that involved Tourette’s advocate John Davidson shouting the N-word during an award presentation by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo.
Jonte Richardson, filmmaker and producer, posted about his resignation on social media, expressing frustration at the handling of the incident by BAFTA.
Davidson’s statement and BAFTA’s apology
John Davidson, the Tourette’s campaigner whose life inspired I Swear, a nominated film at the BAFTA Awards, released a statement following the incident highlighting that his tics during the event were involuntary and carried no ill intent.
“I can only add that I am and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I wanted to thank BAFTA and everyone involved in the awards last night for their support and understanding and inviting me to attend the broadcast.”
His statement follows BAFTA’s formal apology to Jordan and Lindo, in which the organisation expressed apologies for the harm caused by the incident.
“Our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” the statement read.
“We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.
“We would like to thank [Davidson] for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.”
The BBC apologised for failing to cut the slur from its final broadcast, which is aired on a two-hour delay.
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Jury member quits after controversy
In the wake of the controversy, Richardson took to social media to announce his withdrawal from BAFTA’s emerging-talent judging panel, stating that the organisation’s handling of the matter 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,” said Richardson.
“This is particularly unfortunate given that this year’s cohort boasts some incredible Black talent, especially one of my favorite 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 added that he hopes BAFTA leadership “comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff is inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future”.
In its apology, BAFTA added that it takes “full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation”.
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