Alan Cumming Apologizes After BAFTAs Broadcast Racial Slur, Says 'We Were All Let Down'
Alan Cumming has issued an apology after hosting the 2026 BAFTAs.
During the ceremony held on February 22, John Davidson, who has Tourette’s syndrome, could be heard shouting a racial slur from the audience while Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage.
Additionally, the BBC has faced scrutiny for choosing to air the moment along with censoring other speeches.
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“It’s now a week since I hosted the BAFTAs. What should have been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering s–tshow,” the Traitors host started his apology in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday (February 3). “I’m so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt at hearing that word echoed round the world. I’m so sorry the Tourettes community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.”
He continued, “The only possible good that could come of this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgement about things which we are not fully cognisant is folly, that all trauma must be recognized and honoured.”
Alan concluded his statement by saying “we were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech.”
“Congratulations to all the artists whose work was overshadowed by the night’s events,” he wrote.
In his first interview since the BAFTAs incident, John Davidson explains the importance of why he chose to attend despite the risk of outbursts.