Michael B Jordan ‘repulsed and grossed out’ following ‘unacceptable’ Baftas racial slur

The actor’s family are understood to have been left deeply upset

Michael B Jordan was left feeling “disgusted, repulsed and grossed out” following a racial slur directed at him during Sunday evening’s Bafta ceremony, according to a source close to the Hollywood star.

The 39-year-old actor had taken to the stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall with his Sinners co-star Delroy Lindo to present the opening award of the 79th British Academy Film Awards.

As the pair prepared to announce Avatar: Fire and Ash as the winner for best visual effects, Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson shouted the N-word from the audience, causing audible gasps throughout the venue.

Mr Lindo subsequently told Vanity Fair that he and Mr Jordan “did what we had to do” whilst presenting, though he expressed disappointment that “someone from Bafta spoke to us afterward.”

Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting a Bafta at the time of one of the outbursts | GETTY

The incident left Mr Jordan’s parents devastated, with the source revealing they “broke down in tears” upon witnessing what had unfolded on stage.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a source stated: “Organisers spent the entire evening trying to convince Michael and Lindo that the outburst wasn’t offensive, but they were disgusted, both at what was said and the efforts to convince viewers it was just an ‘outburst’.

“Some of the Studio Canal people tried to explain it away to Michael, Lindo and Wumni backstage but they weren’t interested. It really isn’t acceptable.

“The BBC managed to erase any messages related to Palestine out of the transmission but this was somehow kept in. The whole thing is a shambles!”

Michael B Jordan is understood to be ‘disgusted’ by the incident

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Watching their son and Mr Lindo subjected to such language on a prestigious stage deeply wounded their loved ones, the source said, adding that family members are rallying around one another for support.

Mr Jordan has since delayed scheduled commitments in the capital to remain with his parents as he processes the ordeal, prioritising time with his family during this challenging period.

The source explained that Jordan’s preparation for Ryan Coogler’s horror film Sinners, set in 1930s Mississippi during the Jim Crow era, had given him particular insight into racism’s devastating psychological toll.

“He read works by savants like Joy DeGruy Leary to prepare for the role, so the incident really reminded him about how much work has to be done to drive racism underground,” the source told Metro.

John Davidson, a prominent Tourette syndrome campaigner, shouted the N-word involuntarily from the audience during Sunday evening’s ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall | GETTY

Both BAFTA and the BBC have since issued formal apologies to Mr Jordan and Mr Lindo, with the national broadcaster praising the actors for their “incredible dignity and professionalism” during the incident.

“Our guests heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many,” the BBC stated.

“We want to acknowledge the harm this has caused, address what happened and apologise to all.”

The corporation removed the full ceremony from iPlayer following criticism for failing to edit out the moment before broadcast.

John Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics as a result of his condition | GETTYMr Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome at 25 and serves as executive producer on the Bafta-nominated film I Swear, apologised following the incident.

Speaking on Monday, he stated he was “deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning.”

He added: “I was in attendance to celebrate the film of my life, I Swear, which more than any film or TV documentary, explains the origins, condition, traits and manifestations of Tourette Syndrome,” he stated.