Alan Cumming has issued an apology for what he described as a “trauma-triggering s***show” at last month’s Bafta ceremony, expressing deep regret over the distress caused to Black viewers worldwide.
The US Traitors host posted his statement on Instagram yesterday, one week after the controversial February 22 awards show.
The 79th Bafta ceremony was thrown into controversy after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur from the audience as Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage to present an award.
Mr Davidson had attended the event to celebrate the film I, Swear, which depicts his life story.
Alan Cumming has issued an apology for the Baftas
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Actor Robert Aramayo made Bafta history that evening by winning Best Leading Actor for portraying him.
The offensive outburst was broadcast live without censorship, although it later emerged that other tics from Mr Davidson during the ceremony had been edited out by producers.
Bafta had allegedly warned the BBC about potentially offensive language ahead of transmission, and the corporation later admitted that failing to remove the slur was a “serious mistake”.
During the live broadcast, the awards show host addressed viewers, explaining: “Tourette’s syndrome is a disability, and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary.”
John Davidson experiences involuntary vocal tics as a result of his condition | GETTYMr Davidson is understood to have left the venue before the ceremony concluded.
Mr Delroy Lindo later revealed that neither he nor Mr Jordan received a personal apology following the moment on stage.
A Bafta judge resigned in protest, while Saturday Night Live faced backlash for airing a sketch about the incident that a Tourette’s advocacy group branded “unacceptable”.
Sinners star Jayme Lawson also accused the organisation of being exploitative.
Support for the actors came days later at the Naacp Image Awards on February 28, where Regina Hall told the audience: “I feel like also to just take a moment to the two kings who are in this audience and just send you so much love for your class and that is Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo,” prompting sustained applause.
Now, one week after the ceremony, Mr Cumming has issued a formal apology.
The award show host shared a statement on Instagram, which read: “I’m so sorry for all the pain black people have felt at hearing that word echoed round the world.”
He also apologised to those living with Tourette’s syndrome, saying: “The Tourettes community has been reminded of the lack of understanding and tolerance that abounds regarding their condition.”
Mr Cumming added that the incident should serve as “a reminder that words matter” and that “all trauma must be recognised and honoured.”
The actor also directed criticism at the BBC’s editorial decisions, claiming “we were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech.”
Viewers were quick to take to social media to share their thoughts on the 61-year-old’s apology.
“Absolutely none of this was your fault and yet still you have provided the most eloquent apology of all,” one supportive fan wrote.
Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting a Bafta at the time of one of the outbursts | GETTY
Another added: “Thank you for demonstrating leadership, even when those in leadership roles didn’t. We need more of this in this world.”
However, not everyone was satisfied with his statement.
One critic commented: “Oh Alan… as a fan I’m disappointed. Mostly at Bafta/BBC, but at your immediate response as well.”
Another wrote: “Your apology has come too late, I’m afraid
