Delroy Lindo has spoken out about the BAFTAs incident for the first time since it happened, receiving a standing ovation as he did so.
Lindo was on stage alongside Michael B Jordan during the ceremony when John Davidson — who has Tourette’s syndrome and was attending in connection with a film about his life with the condition — shouted a racial slur.
The moment set off widespread backlash, with critics targeting both the BAFTAs and the BBC over how the situation was managed. Many have argued the response did not adequately safeguard or accommodate Lindo and Jordan, while also failing Davidson.
Appearing at the NAACP Image Awards at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Lindo addressed what took place and thanked supporters in the days that followed.
“I’d just like to officially say, I appreciate, we appreciate all the support and love we have been shown in the aftermath of what happened last weekend. It means a lot to us.”
Those in attendance stood and applauded Lindo during his remarks.
Later in the night, Jordan accepted the award for best actor in a movie and used the moment to honor the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
Jordan also picked up entertainer of the year, and used his speech to underline the importance of compassion and togetherness.
“The world needs more unity, more grace, more empathy.”
Ahead of the ceremony, actor Jayme Lawson commended both Jordan and Lindo for how they handled the situation, pointing to the “grace and dignity that they exercised”.
Lawson also took aim at the BBC and the BAFTAs, arguing that adequate protections were not in place for those attending.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter on the red carpet, Lawson said:
“Just because you invite someone into a space but you don’t provide the necessary resources to keep them and everyone else in that room safe by them being there, that’s not inclusivity. That’s exploitation.
“That man’s disability got exploited that night and it led to multiple offenses. That’s the BAFTAs fault.”
After the BAFTAs, Davidson also shared his perspective in an interview with Variety, saying he had been told in advance that any tics would be removed before broadcast.
He also recalled noticing a microphone placed near where he was sitting during the ceremony, and questioned that decision given the likelihood he would tic during the evening.
“I remember there was a microphone just in front of me, and with hindsight I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic,” he told the outlet.
Davidson added that he had been ticcing throughout the event, but felt some reporting incorrectly suggested the racial slur was the only incident that occurred.