AceShowbiz - Wunmi Mosaku, known for her role in Sinners, has voiced strong criticism following the controversy involving a racial slur at the 2026 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards.

The incident occurred on February 22 when Tourette’s activist John Davidson, who was present in the audience, involuntarily shouted a racial slur during the ceremony. This happened as Mosaku’s co-stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects. Davidson, who inspired the BAFTA-winning film I Swear, suffers from Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, uncontrollable movements or vocalizations known as tics.

Speaking on March 1 at the SAG 2026 Actor Awards, Wunmi Mosaku shared how the incident affected her personally. She described the experience as painful, saying it tainted what should have been a celebration. However, she also expressed empathy for Davidson, acknowledging his condition and stating she harbors no ill will toward him.

The controversy has sparked wider discussion about how BAFTA and the broadcasting network, the BBC, handled the situation. Wunmi Mosaku specifically criticized both organizations for their response. She echoed sentiments similar to those of her Sinners co-star Jayme Lawson, who called the presence of Davidson at the event without adequate protections “exploitative and performative,” especially considering that there were children in the audience.

One of the most contentious points for Mosaku was the BBC’s decision to air the segment containing the racial slur during the two-hour delayed broadcast in the U.K. While other offensive language was edited out, the racial slur was left intact, an editorial choice that deeply upset the actress. She revealed that this decision kept her awake at night and brought her to tears, stating she could neither understand nor easily forgive the broadcaster’s choice.

In the days following the awards, John Davidson issued an apology to presenters Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, as reported by Variety on February 24. Davidson expressed profound guilt and distress over the incident, describing the immense shame he felt as the impact of his outburst became clear. He explained that he became aware of the severity of his tic when he noticed the presenters reacting, which prompted him to leave the auditorium shortly afterward.

Davidson’s involvement with the BAFTA-winning film I Swear highlights Tourette syndrome, the neurological disorder that causes involuntary tics. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Tourette’s can lead to sudden vocal or physical tics that the person affected cannot control.

The fallout from the incident has led to significant repercussions within BAFTA itself. On February 23, judge Jonte Richardson resigned from his position, citing dissatisfaction with how the organization managed the situation involving Davidson’s outburst. Richardson communicated his resignation publicly, signaling internal discontent with BAFTA’s handling of the controversy.

During the ceremony, host Alan Cumming addressed the audience twice regarding Davidson’s tics. Cumming explained that the strong language heard was a symptom of Tourette’s syndrome as depicted in the film I Swear. He thanked the audience for their understanding and asked for respect for everyone present. Later, Cumming reiterated that Tourette’s is a disability and emphasized that the tics were involuntary, apologizing to anyone who might have been offended by the language used.

The incident has reignited debates about how live events and broadcasters should manage unexpected disruptions caused by medical conditions, especially when sensitive issues like racial slurs are involved. Wunmi Mosaku’s remarks underscore the need for more thoughtful and protective measures for participants and audiences alike, as well as greater accountability from institutions like BAFTA and the BBC.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what changes BAFTA and the BBC will implement to prevent similar incidents in the future and to ensure respectful and safe environments at their ceremonies.