Oscar-winning production designer Hannah Beachler has publicly criticized the handling of a controversial incident at the BAFTA Film Awards, saying an onstage apology from host Alan Cumming following a racial slur “made the situation worse.”
Beachler, who was nominated for her work on the film Sinners, shared her reaction in a social media post after the ceremony, describing the experience as deeply troubling.
“I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can’t find the words,” she wrote, adding that the incident occurred multiple times throughout the evening, including once directed at her after the event.
Criticism of Apology
Beachler said she understood the complexity of the situation but took issue with how it was addressed publicly.
She specifically criticized what she described as a “throw-away apology” delivered during the ceremony, referencing Cumming’s statement acknowledging the involuntary nature of the outbursts but apologizing “if you were offended.”
“Of course we were offended,” she wrote, stressing that the incident had a real emotional impact despite her determination to remain resilient as an artist.
Context of the Incident
The controversy centers on repeated verbal outbursts from Tourette syndrome advocate John Davidson, whose life story inspired the biographical film I Swear.
During the ceremony, Davidson shouted profanities multiple times and was also heard yelling a racial slur while presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage announcing a visual effects award.
Organizers from BAFTA had previously alerted attendees that Davidson’s Tourette syndrome could result in involuntary vocal tics.
Despite the event airing on broadcast delay, the slur was not removed from the initial televised version.
Balancing Disability Awareness and Harm
The incident has sparked wider discussion within the entertainment industry about how to balance awareness of neurological conditions with the emotional impact of offensive language.
Tourette syndrome can cause involuntary vocal tics, including profanities or slurs, a symptom known medically as coprolalia.
Beachler acknowledged the difficulty of navigating such situations but said her experience highlighted the importance of thoughtful responses that recognize both disability realities and the harm caused by offensive language.
Ongoing Conversation in Entertainment
The BAFTA Awards controversy continues to generate debate about accountability, inclusivity, and the need for greater public understanding of neurological conditions.
For Beachler, the moment underscores a broader issue — how institutions respond to sensitive incidents in ways that respect both affected communities and individuals living with disabilities.
