British-American actor Delroy Lindo expressed gratitude for “the support and love” he and Michael B Jordan have received after a man with Tourette syndrome (TS) shouted the N-word as the two men presented a Bafta award.
“We appreciate all the support and love that we have been shown,” Lindo – who, like Jordan, is Black – said on stage at the annual NAACP Image awards in Los Angeles. He called it “a classic case of something that could be very negative becoming very positive”.
TS activist John Davidson shouted the slur while Jordan and Lindo – stars of the critically acclaimed film Sinners – were on stage presenting at the 22 February Bafta awards ceremony. Davidson’s shouting was audible on the BBC’s broadcast of the ceremony, which was on a two-hour delay.
The British broadcaster has faced considerable criticism for failing to edit the slur out. Tony award winner Wendell Pierce was among the many to publicly offer support for Lindo and Jordan – demanding apologies on their behalf – while voicing dismay over the incident.
Meanwhile, as she presented the first award at Saturday’s NAACP ceremony, actor Regina King called Lindo and Jordan “two kings”. “I just want to take a moment … and just send you so much love for your class,” King said, noting Lindo and Jordan’s presence in the audience.
The London-born Lindo later addressed the Bafta controversy alongside Sinners director Ryan Coogler. Then, Jordan, who is from the Los Angeles area, won the ceremony’s entertainer of the year award. Sinners also took its prize for best motion picture, weeks after landing a record-setting 16 Oscar nominations.
The NAACP is the US’s largest civil rights organization. It was founded in the early 20th century to resist racist violence against Black people.
Davidson, whose Tourette syndrome causes him to involuntarily shout out words, has said he is “deeply mortified” over having shouted the slur. I Swear – a film about Davidson’s life and struggles – had been nominated at the Baftas.
The BBC for its part has apologized and pledged a plan to undertake a fast-track investigation over how the slur was not edited out.
Reuters and the Press Association contributed reporting
