Alan Cumming addresses BAFTAs, issues apology: 'We were all let down'
Alan Cumming addresses BAFTAs, issues apology: 'We were all let down'
Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAYTue, March 3, 2026 at 6:13 PM UTC
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Alan Cumming broke his silence on the controversial moment at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
The actor hosted the Feb. 22 award show, where Tourette's advocate John Davidson hurled a racial slur while "Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were onstage presenting an award. During the ceremony, Cumming briefly paused the show to address Davidson's involuntary tics.
In an Instagram post on Monday, March 2, the "Traitors" star spoke about the incident and apologized to the Black and Tourette's communities.
"What should have been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion turned into a trauma triggering (expletive) show," Cumming said. "I'm so sorry for all the pain Black people have felt at hearing that word echoed around 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 added.
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2026 BAFTAs: Alan Cumming addresses tic outburst from John Davidson
Cumming: 'We were all let down' that the slur was broadcast
Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming poses on the red carpet upon arrival at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, in London, on February 22, 2026.
The racial slur was audible on the BBC television broadcast, which was aired on a two-hour delay. It sparked backlash and prompted apologies from the BBC, the BAFTAs, and Davidson, who condemned the slur.
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"The only possible good that could come of this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgement about things of which we are not fully cognisant is folly, that all trauma must be recognised and honoured," Cumming wrote. "We were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech."
Days after the BAFTAs, on Feb. 28, Lindo expressed gratitude at the 57th NAACP Awards, while presenting the best supporting actress in a movie award alongside director Ryan Coogler.
"I’d just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us," he said at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Jordan, who was also in attendance, did not address the moment during the broadcast but said, "I love being Black" when he accepted the award for best actor in a movie. He dedicated the honor to his late "Black Panther" costar Chadwick Boseman.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alan Cumming breaks silence on BAFTAs, issues an apology
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