BAFTA jury member resigns amid racial slur controversy

The repercussions of the BAFTA controversy involving racial slurs have entered a third day, with a producer resigning from one of its jury panels.

Jonte Richardson, an independent producer with experience on the BET Awards, expressed on social media that BAFTA’s management of the “regrettable Tourette’s N-Word incident” was “absolutely inexcusable.”

Richardson accused BAFTA of “consistently failing to respect the dignity of its Black guests, members, and the broader Black creative community.”

“I hope BAFTA leaders realise the harm they and the BBC have inflicted and have taken measures to make sure their production teams are inclusive enough to prevent this issue in the future,” Richardson wrote.

Richardson previously served on the emerging talent judging panel and described his decision to leave as “regrettable,” especially considering “this year’s group showcases some outstanding Black talent,” including the team behind Janice Okoh’s BBC comedy drama Just Act Normal.

Richardson claimed BAFTA has a “lengthy history of systemic racism." He has previously shared his thoughts on how he felt the BFI overlooked filmmakers of color in its funding choices. We have contacted BAFTA for a statement on his departure.

The impact of the racial slur incident remains significant.

BAFTA issued an apology and accepted “full responsibility” recently after John Davidson, who advocates for Tourette Syndrome and is featured in the movie I Swear, was heard shouting the N-word at Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. 

BAFTA clarified that Davidson possesses “involuntary tics beyond his control.” Davidson later expressed that he was “deeply sorry if anyone interpreted my involuntary tics as intentional or bearing any significance.”

The BBC has also faced criticism for not removing the BAFTA Film Awards from iPlayer until 15 hours later, during which the N-word was audible.

Politicians in the UK have expressed their disapproval. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch noted yesterday that the BBC made a “terrible oversight” by not removing the N-word from the broadcast.