A filmmaker and BAFTA emerging-talent judge, Jonte Richardson, resigned from the organization after criticizing BAFTA’s handling of an incident in which guest John Davidson — who has Tourette’s and was attending to represent the film “I Swear” — involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the Feb. 22 ceremony while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. 

Richardson said he felt “compelled” to withdraw after “considerable soul-searching” and called BAFTA’s “handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards … utterly unforgivable.” 

The moment aired on the BBC One broadcast, reportedly with a two-hour delay, and remained briefly on BBC iPlayer before being removed. The BBC apologized for not editing the offensive language out prior to broadcast. BAFTA also issued a statement acknowledging the “profoundly offensive term” was heard and apologized “unreservedly” to those impacted, specifically thanking Jordan and Lindo “for their incredible dignity and professionalism.” 

Richardson’s LinkedIn letter said he “cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an [organization] that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community.” He added that remaining involved “would be tantamount to condoning its [behavior],” and urged BAFTA leadership to “take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future.” 

Davidson, who had been introduced to the auditorium with a stage-manager note explaining his involuntary tics, released a statement thanking BAFTA and saying he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.” Host Alan Cumming addressed the audience during the show and later apologized for the distress caused. After the ceremony, Lindo told Vanity Fair he and Jordan “did what we had to do” on stage but wished “someone from BAFTA spoke to us [about the incident] afterwards.” 

Richardson’s resignation is one of the most public rebukes BAFTA has faced over the episode. His departure amplifies critiques about whether the organization and its broadcast partner acted quickly and sensitively enough when the slur aired. BAFTA and the BBC say they will review the incident. Richardson said he hopes leadership “comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps” to avoid future harm.