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 Davidsonhurled a racial slurwhile"Sinners"starsMichael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindowere onstage presenting an award. During the ceremony, Cummingbriefly paused the show to address Davidson's involuntary tics.
In anInstagram poston 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.
Oscar hopefuls including Emma Stone ("Bugonia") are stepping out on the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, where "Sinners" and "Once Battle After Another" are vying for best film honors." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
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Maggie Gyllenhaal " style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> See Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet walk 2026 BAFTAs red carpet
Oscar hopefuls including Emma Stone ("Bugonia") are stepping out on the red carpet at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22, where "Sinners" and "Once Battle After Another" are vying for best film honors.
2026 BAFTAs:Alan Cumming addresses tic outburst from John Davidson
Cumming: 'We were all let down' that the slur was broadcast
The racial slur was audible on the BBC television broadcast, which was aired on a two-hour delay. It sparked backlash andprompted apologiesfrom 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 directorRyan 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 tardrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Alan Cumming breaks silence on BAFTAs, issues an apology
