The actor says he had only ‘a nanosecond’ to process the racial slur shouted during the Baftas before continuing to present with co-star Michael B Jordan
Sinners star Delroy Lindo has spoken in more detail about the N-word controversy at the Baftas, which saw the BBC and Bafta apologise after a racial slur shouted by Tourette syndrome (TS) activist John Davidson was broadcast on BBC One in the edited highlights of the ceremony.
Lindo, who is nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in the film, was speaking to Tonya Mosley on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast, and said that at first he didn’t take in what had happened as he took to the stage to present an award with fellow Sinners star Michael B Jordan.
“You have to understand, we had jobs to do. We were the first presenters of the evening, and we had to read that 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?’ But then, and it truly was a nanosecond, one had to read the teleprompter and get on with presenting the award.”
Lindo said he discussed the situation with Jordan, who he says had a “similar response”, adding: “And we went on and did our jobs.”
