Delroy Lindo reflects on BAFTAs racial slur moment for the first time following NAACP Awards honor

Delroy Lindo addresses BAFTA incident

Actor Delroy Lindo addressed the BAFTA Film Awards incident. He spoke about a racial slur shouted at him and Michael B. Jordan during a presentation, speaking up at the NAACP Awards.

Lindo thanked supporters, noting he and Jordan ‘appreciate all the support and love’. He said it turned ‘very positive’ and called it an honor to be among ‘our people.’

Slur at BAFTA Awards

At the BAFTA Film Awards, John Davidson, a Tourette’s syndrome advocate, shouted a racial slur at Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan onstage. Host Alan Cumming responded, explaining it was an involuntary tic.

The moment was broadcast, prompting BAFTA and BBC to apologize for airing the slur. Lindo later said he and Jordan ‘did what we had to do’, showing grace under pressure.

NAACP Image Awards honor

At the 57th NAACP Image Awards, Delroy Lindo won Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Sinners. The NAACP honors celebrate Black talent in entertainment, making the win especially significant.

Lindo had a platform to accept his award and address the BAFTA incident. He spoke in a supportive environment among peers who celebrated his achievement.

Lindo expresses gratitude

During his speech at the NAACP ceremony, Lindo thanked supporters for standing by him and Michael B. Jordan. He said he and Jordan ‘appreciate all the support and love’ shown to them since the BAFTA incident.

He added that it was an ‘honor to be here amongst our people’. These heartfelt words earned another standing ovation, highlighting the warmth of the moment.

Little-known fact: The “B” in Michael B Jordan stands for Bakari, which means “of noble promise” in Swahili.

Regina Hall praises Lindo

Actress Regina Hall also took the stage at the NAACP Awards to honor Lindo and Jordan. She called them ‘two kings’ and sent ‘so much love for your class,’ acknowledging their dignity during the BAFTA incident.

The audience rose to their feet again, celebrating Hall’s tribute. Her remarks underscored community solidarity and turned the focus toward unity at the event.

BAFTA issues apology

BAFTA released a statement apologizing for the incident and acknowledging its impact. The statement gave ‘unreserved’ apologies to Lindo and Jordan and thanked them ‘for their incredible dignity and professionalism’.

The BBC, which aired the ceremony, also apologized for not editing out the slur, explaining the language came from involuntary tics. These statements aimed to address the error and show respect.

Lindo shares reflections

Lindo later spoke to Vanity Fair about the BAFTA moment. He said he and Jordan ‘did what we had to do’ on stage and wished ‘someone from BAFTA spoke to us afterwards’.

This showed that despite staying composed, he hoped BAFTA would follow up afterward. Lindo’s honesty highlighted the incident’s emotional impact and the need for empathy.

Tourette’s syndrome context

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary verbal and physical tics. For example, it can include sudden outbursts of words or sounds, as happened in Davidson’s case.

Host Alan Cumming explained that the slur was an involuntary tic, reassuring viewers it was not intentional. The explanation underscored that the offensive language was not a deliberate act.

Online support

In the days after the NAACP Awards, fans and colleagues praised Lindo on social media. They highlighted his grace under pressure and noted how a painful moment became a celebration of solidarity.

Celebrities and viewers alike commended how he handled the incident with dignity. The warm public reaction showed that his thoughtful remarks resonated well beyond the ceremony.

Success of Sinners

Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was one of the awards season’s big winners. It earned Lindo an Oscar nomination and won three BAFTAs, making history as the most-decorated film by a Black director at the Academy.

Lindo’s NAACP Image Award was part of this momentum, highlighting his powerful performance. The film’s success underscores the impact of its social themes and strong acting.

Celebrating Black excellence

The NAACP Image Awards focus on celebrating Black excellence in the arts. The ceremony honors achievements in film, TV, music, and more, spotlighting underrepresented voices in the industry.

Lindo’s presence and words at the NAACP event embodied this spirit. The supportive atmosphere is designed to empower Black artists, making it a fitting forum for his message of gratitude and resilience.

Gracious response to the BAFTA incident

Media commentators and fans often noted that Lindo’s dignified response to the BAFTA incident sparked broader discussions on race, respect, and empathy in entertainment. The NAACP said Lindo and Jordan deserve dignity and respect, not to be subjected to racial slurs.

Public statements like this turned the incident into a catalyst for broader talks on inclusion and understanding. Lindo’s grace and candor emphasize his ongoing positive impact on film culture and a hopeful path forward.

Curious about the standout moments from the BAFTA Awards? Here’s a closer look at who really dominated and took home the biggest wins.

Looking ahead to diversity

After the NAACP Awards, Lindo emphasized gratitude and moving forward. He thanked audiences and said he’s looking forward to upcoming projects, noting that the experience strengthened his resolve.

As the industry watches, the BAFTA incident and his response may influence how future events address diversity and accessibility. His example suggests a path toward more empathetic conversations and continued excellence in entertainment.

Adding star power to the BAFTAs, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner turned heads together on the red carpet.

How do you feel about Delroy Lindo speaking out on the BAFTAs’ racial slur incident? Like and share your thoughts.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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