BAFTA judge resigns over ‘utterly unforgivable’ on-air racial slur

BAFTA judge Jonte Richardson quit after the organisation’s way of handling the ceremony’s racial slur incident.

On Sunday, February 22, at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, John Davidson, who suffers from a motor disorder, which causes involuntary verbal and physical tics, shouted the n-word as Sinners actor Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award.

Following the incident BBC has issued an apology for airing the racial slur two hours after the incident without editing it, and BAFTA for mishandling the incident.

After Davidson’s slur, host Alan Cumming said the movie, I Swearaddressed such outbursts and later apologised to offended viewers.

However, filmmaker Richardson remained a critic of the way the racial incident was handled during and after the ceremony. He shared a statement on LinkedIn on Monday, February 23, announcing that he was “compelled” to “withdraw from the BAFTA emerging talent judging panel” after some “considerable soul-searching.”

Richardson said the organization’s “handling of the unfortunate Tourette’s N-Word incident last night at the awards was utterly unforgivable.”

“I 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.

Richardson said the situation was especially disappointing given the strong Black talent recognised this year, including 2025 favourite Just Act Normal.

He argued that BAFTA’s failure to acknowledge harm towards Black and disabled communities or issue a proper apology left him unable to stay involved.

“I hope BAFTA leadership comprehend the damage they and the BBC have caused and take the necessary steps to ensure their production staff are inclusive enough to prevent such an issue in the future,” he concluded, “Yours sincerely, Jonte Richardson.”