Delroy Lindo Opens Up About Bafta N-Word Incident: A Fleeting Moment of Shock
Delroy Lindo, the acclaimed actor nominated for an Oscar for his role in Sinners, has provided a detailed account of the Bafta N-word controversy that sparked apologies from both the BBC and Bafta. In a candid interview on NPR's Fresh Air podcast with Tonya Mosley, Lindo described having only "a nanosecond" to process the racial slur shouted by Tourette syndrome activist John Davidson during the awards ceremony.
The Immediate Reaction on Stage
Lindo explained that he and co-presenter Michael B Jordan were the first presenters of the evening, tasked with reading from a teleprompter. "There was a nanosecond, a nano of a nano of a nanosecond, when I'm thinking: 'Wait, did I just hear what I thought I heard?'" he recalled. However, he emphasized the need to focus on their duties, stating, "But then, and it truly was a nanosecond, one had to read the teleprompter and get on with presenting the award."
He noted that Jordan had a similar response, and they proceeded to complete their presentation without further interruption. The incident occurred during the edited highlights broadcast on BBC One, leading to widespread criticism and formal apologies from both organizations.
Background and Broader Context
During the interview, Lindo also reflected on his personal history as a child of Windrush-generation immigrants. He highlighted the contributions of Black and brown communities to post-war Britain, saying, "The people of Windrush changed the definition of what it means to be British." Lindo's mother was a nurse, part of the critical workforce that helped rebuild the National Health Service and other industries.
Apologies and Aftermath
John Davidson, who was at the ceremony due to his nominated film I Swear, has expressed remorse for the slurs he shouted, including the one involving Lindo and Jordan. He stated, "I can't begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been." In response, the BBC and Bafta have announced they will conduct reviews into the incident to prevent future occurrences.
Lindo previously addressed the controversy at the Actor Awards, thanking supporters for their love. He also mentioned to Vanity Fair that he wished "someone from Bafta spoke to us afterwards," indicating a desire for more direct communication following the event.
The incident has raised important discussions about broadcasting standards and the handling of sensitive content, particularly in live or edited award shows.
