Jonte Richardson makes dramatic exit as BAFTA backlash deepens

BAFTA in crisis as judge Jonte Richardson resigns over slur scandal

By Maryam Nadeem February 25, 2026

Jonte Richardson makes dramatic exit as BAFTA backlash deepens

Jonte Richardson has sensationally quit the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in the wake of the explosive racial slur row that overshadowed Sunday night’s ceremony.

The filmmaker, who served as a juror on BAFTA’s emerging talent panel, announced his resignation after Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson involuntarily blurted out the N-word while Sinners co-stars Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan were presenting an award on stage.

In a fiery LinkedIn statement, Richardson said he felt “compelled to withdraw” after what he described as the organisation’s “utterly unforgivable” handling of the incident.

He claimed BAFTA had “repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community” and said remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour.

He also pointedly referenced what he called BAFTA’s “long history of systemic racism”, adding that he could not continue working with an organisation that, in his view, failed to properly acknowledge the harm caused to both Black and disabled communities.

Davidson later issued a heartfelt apology, stressing that his Tourette syndrome causes involuntary verbal tics entirely beyond his control.

The campaigner, whose life story inspired the film I Swear, said he was “deeply mortified” if anyone believed the outburst reflected his personal beliefs.

He revealed he chose to leave the auditorium early, fearing his condition was causing further distress.

BAFTA bosses have since apologised unreservedly, praising Lindo and Jordan for their “incredible dignity and professionalism” and admitting the situation caused pain to many.