AceShowbiz - Alan Cumming has issued a public apology following the controversy sparked by a racial slur heard during the 2026 BAFTAs ceremony. The actor and host expressed regret for the pain caused to both the Black community and those affected by Tourette’s syndrome.

In a statement shared on Instagram a week after the event, Alan Cumming reflected on how what was meant to be a celebration of creativity and inclusion instead became a distressing experience for many. He wrote, “It’s now a week since I hosted the BAFTAs. What should have been an evening celebrating creativity, as well as diversity and inclusion, turned into a trauma triggering s-t show.”

Cumming extended his apologies directly to Black audiences, acknowledging the hurt caused by the repetition of the racial slur across global broadcasts. He also addressed the Tourette’s community, recognizing the incident as a painful reminder of the widespread misunderstanding and intolerance surrounding the condition.

He further emphasized the importance of the incident as a learning moment, noting that “words matter” and cautioned against making hasty judgments without full awareness. Alan Cumming also highlighted the shared responsibility in the handling of the event, stating, “We were all let down by decisions made to both broadcast slurs and censor free speech.” He concluded by congratulating the artists whose work was overshadowed by the night’s events.

The controversy arose when John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome activist featured in the film I Swear, involuntarily uttered the N-word during the ceremony. The outburst, captured by microphones, caused international backlash. Davidson also shouted other phrases, including calling BAFTA chair Sara Putt’s opening remarks “boring” and telling her to “f-k off,” which are symptoms linked to his condition.

During the ceremony, Alan Cumming addressed the audience about the incident, explaining that such strong language can be a manifestation of Tourette’s syndrome for some individuals. He thanked attendees for their understanding and for helping maintain a respectful environment.

Following the event, John Davidson publicly apologized, expressing that he was deeply mortified anyone might believe his Tourette’s-related tics were intentional or carried any malice.