Alan Cumming, BAFTA host, criticizes BBC for ‘broadcasting insults and censoring freedom of expression’ | Baftas 2026

Alan Cumming has joined the chorus of disapproval at the BBC’s failure to delete a racial slur from its Bafta awards television programme, saying it turned “what should have been an evening celebrating diversity and inclusion into a show of shocking nonsense”.

Before the live event, Cumming warned the audience of the potential for unrest due to the tics of Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson, whose life was the basis for the award-winning film I Swear, and asked for their understanding.

During the ceremony, Davidson shouted “paedo” after Cumming’s joke about his sexuality, shouted “shut up” during a speech by BAFTA chairwoman Sarah Boot, and was heard saying the N-word as Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo took to the stage.

Later in the concert, Cumming apologized for the offense he caused and thanked the audience for their understanding. While some of Davidson’s tics were removed from the telecast after two hours, one of the racial slurs was not removed, despite ample time to edit, and other controversial moments removed, including Akinola Davis Jr.’s “Free Palestine” cry at the end of his speech.

“It’s now been a week since I hosted the BAFTA Awards. What should have been an evening celebrating creativity as well as diversity and inclusion has turned into a shocking rubbish show,” Cumming wrote on Instagram.

“I’m so sorry for all the pain black people felt hearing that word echo around the world. I’m so sorry because [Tourette’s] The community has been reminded of the prevailing lack of understanding and tolerance regarding their condition.

He added: “We have all been let down by the decisions taken regarding radio insults and censorship of freedom of expression.”

Cumming’s criticism of the broadcaster follows criticism from Davidson and production company I Swear StudioCanal, both of which said they had ensured the broadcaster would cut all expletives from the live broadcast.

Sinners studio Warner Bros also said that BAFTA had confirmed that the N-word would be removed from broadcast television after it was raised with the Academy immediately after the incident.

The fallout from the concert was significant, with BAFTA telling its members it would conduct a “thorough review” of what happened as well as apologizing “unreservedly” to Lindo and Jordan.

In an internal memo to staff, the BBC’s chief content officer said she took “full responsibility” for the failure to edit the word, and said it was removed from iPlayer as soon as she became aware of it. A re-edited version is now available, but the original was online for about 20 hours, and the clips were widely circulated.

Speaking over the weekend, Lindo expressed his gratitude for the “support and love” given to him and Jordan since the incident, which he described as “a classic case of something that can be so negative becoming so positive.”

Cumming echoed his words in his post, saying, “The only good that can come from this is a reminder that words matter, that rushing to judgment about things we’re not fully aware of is foolish, and that all trauma should be acknowledged and honored.”

However, Cumming’s comments suggest that Bafta may be looking for a new host, after a string of directors whose spells overseeing the ceremony were short-lived and widely criticized.