Jamie Foxx Says N-Word Chaos at BAFTA Awards Was Intentional, Not Tourette’s-Related
A tense moment at the BAFTA Awards has led to a heated debate online, with Jamie Foxx openly challenging the official explanation.
The incident happened in London on February 22 while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the first award of the night. A racial slur was suddenly shouted from the audience. Video of the moment quickly spread across social media. The two actors paused briefly but went on to finish their presentation.
Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their “understanding” after repeated outbursts from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson interrupted the BAFTAs.
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) February 22, 2026
During one moment, n-word was shouted while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. pic.twitter.com/BHx7AoZDab
A spokesperson for the BBC said the person responsible has Tourette syndrome. The statement explained that the condition can cause involuntary verbal tics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes Tourette syndrome as a nervous system disorder that leads to sudden and repeated movements or sounds. The BBC said the outburst was not intentional and apologized for any offense.
The individual identified by media reports as the person who shouted the slur is John Davidson, a campaigner who lives with Tourette syndrome. He attended the event to support the film “I Swear,” which is based on his life and experience with the condition. The movie’s title refers to the involuntary swearing that can be part of severe Tourette’s.
According to Variety, there were other interruptions during the ceremony at Royal Festival Hall. Outbursts were reportedly heard during remarks by BAFTA chair Sara Putt and again during another award presentation.
Host Alan Cumming addressed the situation during the show. He thanked the audience for their “understanding” and explained that Tourette syndrome is a disability that can involve uncontrollable verbal tics. He also apologized to anyone who felt hurt by the language used.
Foxx, however, rejected the medical explanation. Commenting on Instagram under a video shared by @theneighborhoodtalk, he wrote, “Nah he meant that sh***” In another comment, he added, “Out of all the words you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that. Unacceptable.”
Many users agreed with Foxx. Some questioned whether the condition could explain the specific word that was shouted. Others argued that the person should still be held responsible.
Sadly, all those comments, including Foxx’s, are ignorant, as this is exactly how Tourette’s works. The word you least want to say in the given situation is the one you will sadly shout, like announcing a bank robbery while entering a bank.
The moment has now turned into a larger conversation about race, disability, and accountability. Some people stand by the medical explanation. Others believe intent should not be dismissed so quickly.
This situation shows how hard it can be to balance understanding a medical condition with the real pain certain words cause. The word used carries deep history and harm. At the same time, Tourette syndrome is a real disorder that can remove control from a person in certain moments. What do you think? Do you believe the explanation, or do you side with Foxx? Share your thoughts in the comments.