Delroy Lindo Expresses Gratitude After Racial Slur Incident at the BAFTAs
In a powerful statement, Delroy Lindo expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support and love he and Michael B. Jordan received following a deeply distressing incident at the BAFTAs. The actor, alongside director Ryan Coogler, addressed the audience at the 57th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, on Saturday, sharing their experiences and the positive impact of the outpouring of support.
The incident occurred during the BAFTAs in London on February 22, 2026, when Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson shouted a racial slur while Lindo and Jordan were presenting the award for special visual effects. This outburst, which Davidson later described as an involuntary tic, caused significant distress and sparked a wave of support for the actors.
At the NAACP ceremony, actress Regina Hall also acknowledged the pair, commending their composure and sending them love and admiration for their class. The BBC, in response to the incident, issued an apology for not editing out the slur from its delayed broadcast of the BAFTAs.
Delroy Lindo's statement at the NAACP Image Awards highlighted the transformative power of adversity, stating that the incident had become a 'classic case of something that could have been very negative becoming very positive'. This sentiment resonates with the broader impact of the incident, which has brought attention to racial slurs and the importance of support and solidarity.
The NAACP, founded in 1909, has been a leading civil rights organization in the US, advocating for racial equality and justice. The incident has underscored the ongoing challenges of racism and the need for continued advocacy and support.
This powerful moment at the NAACP Image Awards serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who stand against racism, and the importance of community and support in the face of adversity.
