Britain’s film academy and the BBC apologized to viewers after an audience member with Tourette syndrome shouted a racial slur during the British Academy Film Awards.

The offensive word could be heard as “Sinners” stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for best visual effects during Sunday’s ceremony.

Host Alan Cumming had earlier told the audience that a guest at the ceremony was John Davidson, a Scottish campaigner for people with Tourette’s who inspired the BAFTA-nominated film “I Swear.”

“I Swear” won two BAFTAs, including best actor for Robert Aramayo, who plays Davidson.

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations, including the uttering of inappropriate words.

After the outburst, Cumming apologized to the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall for the “strong and offensive language.”

“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,” Cumming said. “We apologize if you were offended.”

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts referred to Cumming’s statement when asked for comment on Monday.

The epithet could be heard when the BBC broadcast the ceremony about two hours after the live event.

The broadcaster apologized, though the offensive word could still be heard on its streaming service on Monday morning. The program was later removed, and the BBC said the slur would be edited out.

“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,” the BBC said in a statement. “We apologize that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.”

Ed Palmer, vice chairman of the charity Tourettes Action, said the BBC should have considered bleeping out the slur.

“This is really one of the most acute examples of where something that is a disability can cause quite understandably huge amounts of offense to someone,” he told Times Radio. “So, if it’s being prerecorded now, then bleeping it out, for example, might be a reasonable compromise.”

Robert Aramayo delivered one of the most emotional moments of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards when he paid tribute to Ethan Hawke during his acceptance speech for Best Actor Sunday, February 22.

The 33-year-old English actor stunned audiences by winning the coveted prize for his performance in I Swear, a biopic about campaigner John Davidson’s life with severe Tourette’s syndrome.

Beating out heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons and Timothée Chalamet, Aramayo was visibly overwhelmed as he took the stage.

Robert said, “I absolutely can’t believe this. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you [Leonardo] never mind that I’m stood here.”

“I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. I really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away,” he added.

In his speech, Aramayo recalled a formative moment at Juilliard when the Before Sunrise star visited his class.

He recalled that Hawke spoke about longevity in acting, protecting one’s craft and avoiding self-destructive habits.

“It had a great impact on everyone in that room,” The Lord of the Rings alum said, turning to Hawke in the audience.

The camera captured Hawke fighting back tears, hiding his face in his hand before offering a warm smile and nod of encouragement.

Aramayo’s father leapt with joy in the audience as his son also scooped the Rising Star Award, voted for by the public.

The Game of Thrones actor, dedicated his wins to his family and the I Swear team, calling Davidson “the most amazing person I have ever met.”