BAFTA jury member quits over 'unforgivable' racial slur incident

A BAFTA jury member has quit after a Tourette's advocate shouted a racial slur while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the BAFTAs.

A BAFTA jury member is quitting in response to the controversial incident where a racial slur, shouted by Tourette's advocate John Davidson while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage, aired on the awards ceremony's broadcast.

Jonte Richardson, a producer and editor, said on LinkedIn that he has withdrawn from BAFTA's emerging talent judging panel over the organization's "utterly unforgivable" handling of the incident at the British Academy Film Awards on Feb. 22.

During the British equivalent of the Oscars, Davidson, who has Tourette syndrome and was the subject of the nominated film "I Swear," involuntarily shouted a racial slur while "Sinners" stars Jordan and Lindo were presenting on stage. The moment was not edited out of the broadcast, which aired on a two-hour delay, and initially remained on the BBC's streaming service.

"I cannot and will not contribute my time energy and expertise to an organisation that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its Black guests, members and the Black creative community," Richardson wrote, adding that "remaining involved would be tantamount to condoning its behaviour." He also said the incident inflicted harm "on both the Black and disabled communities."

USA TODAY has reached out to BAFTA for comment.