Piers Morgan criticises Jamie Foxx over ‘shockingly ill-informed’ BAFTA comments

Piers Morgan has criticised Jamie Foxx over his comments about what happened at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday night.

During the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, the executive producer of the BAFTA-nominated film about his life I Swear, was heard shouting several times. 

This included a racial slur while Sinners cast members Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage presenting the first award. The slur, which was an involuntary tic, was edited out of the broadcast, which aired on a two-hour delay. 

However, the BBC failed to remove it from iPlayer until the following day.

What did Jamie Foxx say?

Responding to the controversy, Jamie shared his reaction with The Neighborhood Talk. 

He said: “Nah, he meant that [expletive].” He added: “Out of all the words, you could’ve said Tourette’s makes you say that?” before he added: “Unacceptable.”

© Getty Images for BET

What did Piers Morgan say?

Broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan has since weighed in. 

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he shared a picture of I Swear‘s movie poster alongside the caption: “I watched this movie last night. Incredibly powerful and inspiring. Might have been wise for all those gobbing off about the BAFTA N-word saga to have watched it too before making so many shockingly ill-informed comments. I’m looking at the likes of you, Jamie Foxx!”

What has happened since the BAFTAs on Sunday?

The fallout from Sunday’s events has continued to unfold this week, with statements released by the BBC, BAFTA and John himself.

In his first interview since the ceremony, speaking to Variety, John revealed that he had reached out to the studio behind Sinners to apologise to Michael and Delroy. 

He also described the distress he has experienced in the days following the awards.

© Graeme Hunter Pictures

“I can’t begin to explain how upset and distraught I have been as the impact from Sunday sinks in,” he said. “I have almost no ability to suppress, and when the situation is stressful, I have absolutely no choice but to tic – it simply bursts out of me like a gunshot.”

While explaining that he had previously worked with the BBC, John admitted he had believed the broadcaster would have “worked harder” to omit anything he said from the final edit.

What happened at the BAFTAs?

An insider told HELLO!: “Ahead of the broadcast, guests had been warned that John, a Tourette’s syndrome campaigner, was in the room and that strong language might be heard.”

BAFTA host Alan Cumming also addressed the audience during the ceremony and thanked them for their understanding. John later chose to leave the event early.

© Getty Images for BAFTA

“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience,” said Alan. “Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone.” He added: “We apologise if you are offended.”